Reduce stress this holiday season with one word: gratitude

Kelan Combe
Empowering Financial Wellness Program Coordinator 

The holiday season is often associated with joy, celebration and family. However, it can also be a source of significant financial stress, as we strive to meet expectations and provide for our families. While it is important to plan ahead, and to manage your budget wisely during the holidays, there is another powerful tool that you can use to ease that stress - Gratitude!

In 2003, psychologist Robert A. Emmons conducted a groundbreaking study on gratitude, uncovering its profound impact on psychological well-being. Since then, numerous studies have shown that practicing gratitude offers mental health benefits, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing satisfaction with daily life.

This means that instead of focusing on the things you don’t have and all the things you still need to buy, focusing on those things you already have and are grateful for can greatly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with the holidays. Now, that is easier said than done, so how do we do it? This article from The New York Times gives us some ideas on how to start:

1. Make It a Habit – Developing a gratitude habit takes time. Experts suggest that a small dose of gratitude once a day is ideal. Find a moment in your day to reflect on what you're grateful for. You can do this during your morning routine or as you start your workday. 
   
2. Stay Specific – When expressing gratitude, be specific about what you're thankful for. Instead of a simple "thank you," describe what you appreciate and why. Specificity deepens your experience of gratitude and intensifies your emotions and thoughts. 
   
3. Write It Down – Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you write down the things you're grateful for. Writing slows down your thinking process, allowing you to reflect more deliberately. A written record of your blessings can serve as a source of inspiration and positivity, even in difficult times.
   
4. Express It – In the NYT article, psychology-professor Philip Watkins says “Feeling it is only half the equation. Expressing gratitude is equally important to reap the benefits of the emotion.” So make sure that expressing gratitude to someone, whether verbally or in writing, is part of your habit of gratitude.

As we approach the holiday season, let's remember the power of gratitude and shift our focus from what we lack, to what we have. While gratitude may not magically make you be able to afford the shiniest, newest car for Christmas, it can make life more positive for you and those around you, no matter the circumstances.

Reference:
Caron, C. (2023, June 8). Gratitude Really is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/well/mind/gratitude-health-benefits.html ​