Gratitude During COVID-19. Is it Overused?

The word gratitude. I have been hearing, reading, seeing that word everywhere since the beginning of this pandemic. Do you think it is being overused? I would say it is not overused for good reason. As humans, we tend to focus on the bad things in our lives. Showing gratitude for the people and things in our lives on a daily basis helps reframe our mindset and is especially needed during COVID-19.

How would you define gratitude? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: the state of being grateful: THANKFULNESS. They go on to define grateful as: appreciative of benefits received. I would define gratitude as: making a list of all the things you are thankful for in your life, from the littlest thing to the biggest. I am grateful that the sun is shining to I am grateful for my husband and son.

Steps to remembering gratitude:

• Create a list. (In your mind, on paper, whatever works for you. It can just be one thing)
• Find time during your day to take 2 minutes to review your list to remember what you are grateful for.
  
• When you are feeling stressed, review your list to reset your frame of mind.
• Use your gratitude list as needed throughout your day. You can’t overuse it.
  
• Change your list as often as you like.

You can even take it a step further, by telling those on your list why you are grateful for them. Some by-products of showing gratitude are better mood, better mental and physical health, better sleep, and better self-esteem.

I dare you to not smile as you read/remember your list of gratitude. It is important to remember in our daily lives and critical as we move through COVID-19 of what is good in our life. I hope that you take these steps and make them a daily routine in your “new norm.”

Please share one thing you are grateful for in the comments below.

If you would like help figuring out how to re-think your daily life, work, department, or company, please reach out!