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The holidays can be a very stressful time. We may be busy putting together a family function or rushing to complete assignments due for school and work. Weather takes a change, it’s snowing, and it’s darker earlier. Nerves can get tested. It can be a tough time to take care of ourselves as we burn both ends of the candle rushing from one event to another.  While it may seem impossible, it is even more important during this time to do things to take care of yourself and enhance your well-being.

Part of what I am going to suggest to you may seem contradictory, but one of the easiest and most important things you can do for your well-being is express gratitude.

It has been well documented in research that gratitude can help promote psychological and physical well-being. Former Olympian and world record holder Carl Lewis stated in his biography that being grateful to his competitors was part of his process in competition. He felt that if it weren’t for his competitors it would have been difficult to strive to his highest ability.

Research has also been found that by expressing gratitude you are also building resilience – a trait that helps you to overcome adversity and challenges in your life.

One helpful project to take on this Thanksgiving is to spend time writing a gratitude letter – and give it to someone.  To make it worthwhile – think of someone you may not have thought of in a bit, maybe an old coach or teacher, relative, or supervisor. Write the letter specifically to them in your own handwriting, and deliver it to them personally if you can. 

After you’ve done this, note your feelings and journal them if possible.  How did it feel to express those feelings? Why did you choose this person?

Now, who else can you write to?