How to practice gratitude during COVID-19

Introduction

Gratitude is an emotion that captures the feeling of thankfulness. We feel gratitude when we’re overwhelmed by an extraordinary gesture of care and kindness. As humans, we practice the act of gratitude as a way of showing appreciation and being grateful for all the good things that come our way. Researchers in the field of psychology go a step ahead and assert that it’s not just that - a deep appreciation for a person or even a circumstance can reap results in the form of lasting calm and a positive mindset. 

We know what you’re thinking, "But how should I practice gratitude in this ghastly pandemic? What should I be thankful for?" It’s natural to feel less than optimistic in the current scenario and hence, it’s all the more necessary to try. Feeling gracious is a mentally rewarding process, i.e., it has the power to heal. Acts of gratitude can bind us together as a human race and reduce suffering. Each day we spend at home, we should take a moment just to thank the universe for the fact that we are alive and our family is safe.

Here’s how you can practice gratitude during COVID-19:

Be kind to those around you

Whether you’re stranded at home with your entire extended family or are self- isolating with a pet, take a moment to appreciate their company. Thank your spouse for helping you set up a home office. Appreciate your child’s nascent creativity in the kitchen. Spending your days of quarantine with your loved ones, whether their near or far is a boon indeed.

Practise self-compassion

Charity begins at home and compassion begins with the self. Start there. If you’re struggling to stay upbeat and motivated, don’t beat yourself up about it. Give yourself time to process all the newness of pandemic and settle in with the restrictions. It’s okay to feel disappointed about canceled plans and miss the people important to you. Cherish this period of distance, it will sweeten the joy of partaking in those activities and reuniting with your folks in the future. Use Wysa for mindfulness activities to practice self-compassion!

Accept the inner conflict

You have to make peace with the inner range of emotions you feel during these turbulent times. No matter how many times you compare your circumstances to someone less fortunate than you, there will be times you won’t be able to overcome anger and resentment at your current fate regardless. Don’t trivialize your own feelings just because someone else’s troubles are more severe. You can feel appreciative of your own time and tap into your inner gratitude whenever the time feels right for you.

Write down a note of thankfulness

A great way to practice gratitude is by writing down little notes of appreciation. They don’t have to be grand gestures or momentous greetings of graciousness. You can feel thankful for the weather and a great cup of coffee. You can appreciate the songs playing on the radio and a good game of chess with your partner. There are no rules in gratitude. Take tiny steps to acknowledge all the good things in life, no matter how big or small they are. Reading this list when you’re feeling down will help you manage your emotions better. You can also practice gratitude while talking to Wysa!

Expand on moments of positivity

Often we have bleak days when we’re feeling sad which suddenly brightens up the second you hear your favorite song or receive a call from your closest friend. Hold these moments close and try to reciprocate the positivity with your own small kindness. Sharing an instance of joy with those around you will expand the positivity and help you keep your anxiety stress in control when it arises.