Thanksgiving is a time of gathering, family, food, and reflection, but can also be very stressful for caregivers. There’s a lot to do, from preparing food to managing more people than normal. It’s easy to get lost in all the chaos but taking a moment to remember what the holiday is all about can help calm things down. Practicing gratitude is an easy way to both relax and reflect on yourself and include your loved ones. Gratitude has many benefits for both caregivers and older adults, and can foster a sense of togetherness, much like the goal of the holiday itself.
Benefits of Gratitude:
- Builds resilience
- Fosters a sense of community between generations
- Improved sleep
- Imcreased self-esteem
- Encourages a more positive outlook
- Makes positive time for yourself
Simple Gratitude Practices:
- Write down things you’re grateful for, such as friends, family, or positive memories in a gratitude journal. Alternatively, you could record audio messages if writing is difficult.
- Send thank-you cards to friends and family to show you appreciate all they do for you, or even just that they’re there for you.
- Talk with others about what you’re thankful for, a good activity to do with your loved one. Sitting down and having a positive conversation can be a good relationship booster with
- Practice gratitude while doing another enjoyable activity, such as having tea or talking with your loved one
- Make a pet rock and tell your new pet three things you’re grateful for. A gratitude buddy you can talk to at any time!
More Resources:
-Kayla Regli