I see a lot of memes and gifs about how stressful 2024 has been and how it appears the end of the road maybe isn't near. I'd probably agree to an extent. Lately I've been very stressed. Sure, I have some coping mechanisms (deep breathing, listening to the sounds of the ocean, vegging out in front of the TV likely to something I've already seen so it doesn't give me more anxiety, walking, etc etc), but one thing I find always kind of resets my brain is focusing on the things for which I am grateful.
If you've done this before, you're probably nodding along. Things like Gratitude Journals now exist in the common vernacular in a way they didn't even 10 or 20 years ago. If you're not used to thinking or speaking aloud the things that make you grateful, you're probably rolling your eyes a bit or going "yeah, sure." But, no, really! There's even science behind it!
https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/#neuroscience
Expressing gratitude actually helps wire the brain to focus more on the good in your life. So when you're feeling particularly stressed, frustrated, annoyed, or even low... after a good vent (because who doesn't love a good venting session?!)... make sure to say aloud (or at least to yourself) at least one thing you're grateful for. It doesn't even have to be big. It can be as simple as "I had coffee this morning". But you get the idea.
Feeling adventurous?? Go for three things you're grateful for, if you can! Heck, even five!! The point is, it helps. Really. And you might find yourself even smiling (but shhh, that can be our little secret).
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