Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday are quickly approaching! And while we’re all about the renewed sense of giving and gratitude that comes with the season, we also believe that these values are attainable year-round. At Givhero, we are in the business of celebrating giving and gratitude through everyday actions, and we inspire people to do the same! Here are some ways to incorporate the joy of Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday into your day-to-day life (turkey and stuffing optional!).
1. Pay it forward
Giving Tuesday is technically on December 3rd. But at Givhero, every day is Giving Tuesday. We believe that there are countless opportunities at any time of the year to help others. And an added bonus? It can boost your happiness and even evoke a sense of gratitude for your own life. We understand that it can be difficult to find time to give back with all of the commitments you might be juggling. That’s why we’ve designed a platform with a community of charities who are available to you. All you have to do is contribute to your health by joining one of our wellness challenges, and voilá, you’ve paid it forward! Check out Givhero for more information and see how thousands of employees and socially responsible businesses are giving back every day.
2. Take a breath
You are breathing right now. Did you know that? Of course, you did. But how did it feel when you really focused on it? Taking a step back to concentrate on (not to be confused with judge) your breath is instantly grounding and helps you observe the special things you may have initially missed. When you feel yourself getting caught up in your head with the to-dos and tasks of the day, take a moment to pause, feel your breath move through you, and re-center. You might be surprised at what you take in.
3. Connect with your community
Setting aside time to connect with your community can actually bring you more happiness and gratitude. Sharing time and energy with those around you helps you to take a break from your own headspace and contributes to your overall mental health. Connecting with your community can mean many things; socializing, volunteering, joining a team, etc. Check out the Givhero platform for some community driven-motivation!
4. Get moving
Did you know that gratitude and exercise are linked? Studies show that those who practice being grateful make more time to stay physically healthy. When you take your workout outside in nature, those benefits only increase! As it gets colder outside, we’re sometimes tempted to exercise less. If this sounds familiar, try downloading an app that motivates you to move and tracks your progress (we’re partial to ours :)).
5. Journal before bed
When people hear the word “journal” they often think long lofty entries about the meaning of life. That’s great if that’s your thing, but there are also ways to utilize journaling that are quick and simple. For example, before hitting the hay, try to list three things that you were thankful for that day. They don’t need to be major -- got a promotion? Jot it down. Had a tasty sandwich for lunch? Note that too! Completed a challenge on Givhero? We love it! Nothing is too big or small to be grateful for. And when we take the time at the end of the day to reflect on that, it can leave us with a whole new frame of mind (not to mention a better night’s sleep!).
Written By
Hanna Berman is a Mental Health & Wellness Contributor for Givhero. As a Mental Health & Organizational Consultant, her career is dedicated to exploring behavior change on both an individual and collective level. She holds a Masters from King’s College London in Global Ethics & Human Values and is a part-time Reiki practitioner with City Acupuncture Clinic in Washington DC.
