Practicing gratitude (even when it feels like there's nothing to be grateful for) helps shift your mindset "from what is going wrong in life to what is going well," said psychologist Courtney Cornick, PhD, owner of Caya Wellness. It's so easy to complain about what's going wrong, added clinical psychologist Tricia Wolanin, PsyD, that we rarely slow down to think about what's going right. And after you journal about what you're grateful for, read it over a few times, suggested Sabrina Spotorno, LMHC, a therapist at Monument. This will help the sense of peace and acceptance sink in.
Try these prompts:
- Describe a seemingly simple moment of joy, relief, or contentment in your day in as much detail as possible.
- What am I grateful for today? List one to three things.
- What is going well in my life? Explore various components, like relationships, family, career, me time, travel, spirituality, and friendship.