The holidays are officially upon us. In this unprecedented year, your stress levels are probably higher than normal, you may be feeling anxious about the future, and isolation from friends and family is a real challenge.
When everything feels upside down, it is important to step back and center yourself. That’s why this month, TLC’s 360 theme is “Gratitude.”
The most important thing to remember is don’t force it. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re having a tough time feeling grateful right now. It’s okay to acknowledge that you’re not okay – and in fact, self-compassion is key to both your emotional and physical well-being.
Express your gratitude for the simple things. Try different activities with your child – painting gratitude rocks or going on a gratitude scavenger hunt – to find joy in how they see the world. Think about what makes you happy. Is it the changing colors of tree leaves, colored markers, Netflix, or pie? These things should bring you comfort in a time where you may not know exactly how you’re feeling.
Practicing gratitude can enhance your outlook on life and influence your mental health. Don’t forget to be good to your body; your physical health starts with your mind. Choose healthy foods, make sleep a priority, and get up and move every day. Release stress and tension by finding moments of stillness. Our August blog post has some great mindfulness tips and resources. And don’t forget to share the love. Invest energy into the relationships with those you spend the most time with. We know it can be tough being with your partner and children 24/7, try to remember to “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
30 Gratitude Games and Activities for Kids to Practice Thankfulness
Includes activities like a gratitude jar, scavenger hunt, and tree. Crafts can aid fine motor development while reading and writing increase exposure to language and help develop language skills.
25 Ridiculously Inspiring Activities on Gratitude for Kids
A gratitude journal is perfect for older children, while gratitude bingo is an excellent tool for articulation, vocabulary development, and more!
More resources:
https://veryspecialtales.com/gratitude-activities-for-kids/
https://rhythmsofplay.com/year-round-gratitude-activities-for-kids/
