Aging with an Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving comes once a year, but an attitude of gratitude is something to practice every day. Studies – like this one – report that gratitude reduces anxiety, depression and stress, and improves sleep and heart health.

Sometimes it’s hard to start a habit, but it might be easier to start with a little help.

Try watching some of these videos and see if it can get your gratitude motor running!

The Science of Gratitude

 The Science of Gratitude lists easy ways to incorporate gratitude in your life by marking your achievements – even little ones – and thinking more about what you do have rather than what you don’t.

Nature, Beauty, Gratitude

Nature. Beauty. Gratitude. This Ted talk uses images and poetry to exult in being alive…especially using beautiful photos of what we often overlook in our day to day – the last six minutes are lovely.

The Gratitude Diaries

The Gratitude Diaries demonstrates the value of keeping a gratitude journal. Here the author stresses that happiness and fulfillment comes from what we feel within more than from outside. She frankly admits that in her routine of writing something to be grateful for each day, there were some days when she could only list one. Keeping the routine and the habit is what does the trick over time.

Want to make meditation a regular habit? Join Senior Planet’s Cas Castro and other expert trainers in a weekly guided meditation session. on Thursdays.  During each session, you’ll learn about the benefits of mindful meditation and breathing and then spend time deepening your meditation practice. No registration required!  Learn more here. 

If you’ve only got five minutes, try this!

How to encourage gratitude in your life

Antonia Albany, author of Golden Grace:  Embracing the Richness of Our Later Years and blogger at The Joy of Aging Gratefully, says “Incorporating gratitude year-round will bring the greatest rewards for increased happiness, joy, and love in your life.” Here, she shares some of her tips for getting an attitude of gratitude.

~ before going to sleep, write down one to five things you are grateful for that day
~ take a picture (with your phone) of those things you appreciated and post them on social  media
~ make a list of five people to thank and then reach out to them, preferably in person
~ give back — your time, money, or expertise — to those who need your talents
~ commit to focusing on what you have rather than on what you want
~ pick a video on gratitude that moves you to stick with your practice of being grateful

YOUR TURN

How do you practice gratitude in your daily life? What songs or videos make you feel grateful (for me, praise music like Kirk Franklin’s Stomp never fails.)  Share your tips in the comments!

Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; she writes about Old School New York City and performs at readings throughout the city. Send  Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.