Feeling sad and down? I’ve been there and trust me, it's a real struggle to focus on happiness or the things that usually bring you joy. Who wants to hit the beach when all you wanna do is curl up in a ball and be a professional couch potato or bed bug?
It's time to break the cycle! Buckle up because practicing gratitude is about to become your secret weapon against those feelings of hopelessness and depression. And no, it’s not going to be a grand production – start small and work your way up.
Practicing gratitude is like a superhero cape against sadness, depression, and hopelessness. When we shift our focus to the good stuff in our lives, it can seriously mess with those negative emotions.
So here are some practical and non-conventional ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine.
If you're feeling like being a bed sloth all day, practicing gratitude might just make you feel like you've accomplished something worthwhile, even on your laziest days.
Since depression or being sad has shown its ugly head, finding something to be grateful for can be as challenging as finding a needle in a haystack. But fear not, we're going to play a little game. Remember "I Spy" from your childhood? 
For your purpose, you would look around in different rooms until you spy on one thing that fills you with gratitude. For example, you have a copy of Grimm's Fairy tales that is illustrated with colour plates that grabs your eye. Every time you look at it, you feel grateful that you were able to purchase it. Now pick it up, spend time focusing on this beautiful antique book, and let gratitude wash all over you.
When you are having depressing thoughts and feelings, you need to break your focus. Once you break your focus, it gives your brain time to search for a memory of someone you should be grateful for. How do you break your focus?
Now, here's the secret sauce to breaking that depressing focus. Get ready for some silliness. Jump off that couch and unleash your inner zoomie-filled cat. Run around like there's no tomorrow and, just for kicks, lick your hand. Sounds ridiculous? That's the whole point! But wait, there's more. Think of someone you're grateful for (cue happy thoughts) and give them a quick call to let them know how much you appreciate them. Pro tip: Call your mum. She's always game for a chat and trust me you'll feel so much better afterwards.
I know it's going to take a lot of willpower, but instead of being a couch potato or bed burrito, drag your sorry self outside and get that body moving! Take a walk, chat with a friend, and let gratitude work its magic to ease your sadness. Even if it's just a quick stroll around the block, breathe in that fresh air and soak up some beautiful sunshine
Spending time with a friend who can make you laugh your heart out is like happiness on steroids. Give them a call, go grab a coffee, or take a leisurely walk together. Laughter is the best medicine, trust me on that.
When you're feeling down, finding anything positive can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Everything seems doom and gloom, but you know deep down it isn’t true. So, let's distract that mind of yours and shift it to gratitude. Sit up straight, take ten deep breaths, and focus on a recent act of kindness someone has shown you. Picture that person, visualize what they did, and shout it out loud how freaking grateful you are for them. Be their gratitude cheerleader!
Think of your emotions as a fabulous bowl of fruit. You've got room for apples, oranges, and bananas, right? Well, gratitude is just another juicy addition to your bowl. Sure, it's currently dominated by depression, sadness, and a feeling of hopelessness, but guess what? There's plenty of space for gratitude. Keep working on it daily, and that bowl will be overflowing with positivity, making those other emotions weaker.
On those days when leaving your bedroom feels like a herculean task, turn to your gratitude journal. That little book is like a friggin' magic wand. Take a few moments each day to jot down things you're thankful for, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It could be that cozy couch you're sitting on right now, your favorite snack, a good night's sleep, or even the fact that you're still rocking those PJ's because changing clothes felt like too much work. Start small, build that gratitude muscle, and watch those negative emotions take a backseat.
While it's not always easy to combat feelings of depression, gratitude can be a powerful tool to help shift our perspective and reduce the impact of negative emotions. Incorporating simple practices like the "I Spy" game, pattern interrupts, outdoor activities, and keeping a gratitude journal can make a big difference in our overall mental health and well-being.
By the way, I'm a happiness coach, and I live for helping my tribe find those little pockets of joy every damn day! So go ahead, hit me up. I'm here to brighten your day. Don't resist the temptation, you know you want to.
But hey, if contacting me is a trigger for you, no worries! Join me for a Facebook live 7-Day Gratitude Challenge starting on Monday, 5th June. And guess what? You won't have to show your face, it's just going be me, shining my fabulous self!
Let me guide you through this journey. I'm here to help!
