It goes without saying that this year has been one of exceptional tension. And that’s putting it lightly! However, as the festive season approaches, we think it’s essential to take pleasure in pausing.
For some, considering the bright side is natural, while for others it’s a developing habit – whichever mindset resonates with you though, science indicates that intentional acts of appreciation are likely to offer significant benefits to your wellbeing. So whilst feeling intentionally grateful for 2020 may be challenging (to say the least!), we think it’s important to try to spend this final month in celebration and feeling thankful, as opposed to focusing on the bad. At least where possible.
Whether you’re confident in the creation of affirmations or you’re just discovering the power of gratitude today, there is a style of meditative at-home celebration you’ll enjoy as this year comes to a close. Here’s what we recommend:
Set aside time for reflection
A particularly popular technique for gratitude is the art of reflection, which focuses on personal growth (something many have encountered subconsciously during this whirlwind of a year).
This valuable process prompts a practical approach to thinking about the year that has passed, with the intention to learn from its impact and reevaluate your priorities going forward. This is, of course, extremely fitting as we step towards a fresh start!
We recommend assigning a journal (ideally a new or empty one, for a true blank slate!) to your reflective gratitude work. Each day or week, spend a few spare minutes writing freely and frankly about where your mindset is at. We could sum this up by poetically suggesting you let the pen outline your emotions on paper to release them from your brilliant mind, but perhaps a more pragmatic approach would better equip those of you new to exploring gratitude! To get you started, here are three questions to reflect on in each written entry:
What has someone done for you today that you’re grateful for?
This could be making you a cup of tea, sending you a kind text, or even a smile from a stranger during your daily walk!
What was the most enjoyable moment of your day today, and why?
Perhaps it was the first sip of your morning coffee, speaking to loved ones on the phone or lighting your favourite Halcyon Naturals candle!
Which aspect of your personality are you most proud of, and how have you utilised it today?
Whether you worked productively thanks to your first-class discipline, or supported a close friend with your generous empathy, appreciate your power and talents.
If you’re motivated by action, this alignment with your personal principles is the perfect, tangible way to explore gratitude.
Practice some affirmations
With a focus on improving your confidence, affirmations are a brilliant way to practice self-love and gratitude for the wonderful person that you’re becoming. Even in your most difficult times, they allow you to shape how you want to grow. Pretty powerful stuff, right?
While some might doubt the mind-changing power of simply speaking to yourself with kindness, there is scientific proof that a stronger sense of self esteem tangibly improves success by lowering stress and boosting confidence.
Put simply, affirmations are “I am” mantras that you repeat to yourself. For example:
I am worthy of taking up space by speaking my mind, because my opinion matters.
I am proud of who I am becoming.
I am capable of attaining everything I desire.
Remind yourself of your ability to weather the storms of 2020 in whichever way makes you feel most empowered by repeating an affirmation of your choice in the morning. This is not only a brilliant tool to utilise throughout the year, but is the perfect prompt to recharge before the fresh start of a new year.
Why not boost this self-care ritual with an extra special gift from you, to you? Discover the ultimate nourishing indulgence with the Halcyon Naturals Subscription Box, to get an essential oil-based candle and a self-care item delivered to your door every month. Use the code “1STBOX” at checkout for £10 off your first purchase!
Test the waters of meditation
Meditation. You probably saw this one coming…
However, it’s true that it is a brilliant way to grow your gratitude, both as the year comes to a close and as you enter 2021.
One branch of meditation with an emphasis on gratitude is aptly named ‘gratitude meditation’. Makes sense! The beauty of this practice is its practicality – it doesn’t require anything except an open mind.
Before you start your day, during your lunch break, or before you relax in the evening, assign a few minutes in your schedule to follow these steps for a refreshed perspective.
- Sit comfortably, and take some grounding breaths. You could light your Meditation candle and close your eyes, if that would help you to focus and unwind.
- Consider a key source of weight on your shoulders – start out with something light-hearted as an introduction to the method, such as a thread of work emails that you need to respond to.
- Disconnect from your perspective on this annoyance by flipping your perspective on it, searching instead for the opportunities for gratitude within it. This could be reminding yourself that, while you’re not looking forward to thought-showering with Susie from HR, it is fantastic to be able to fulfil your job role from the comfort of your home during a pandemic.
- Follow this with further intentional breaths and employ your new attitude to approach any inconvenience with gratitude.
Ideas for this month’s aspects of gratitude could be opportunities for digital connection with friends and family, the crisp fresh air during a walk, or simply a delicious christmas chocolate!
Take time to celebration
If you’re hosting a festive celebration – be it in your bubble or via your computer – a gratitude-filled gathering is the perfect way to intentionally indulge during the most wonderful time of the year.
A gratitude dinner party is one of the many ways to share your cosy Christmas and New Year evenings with those you love. Start out by writing a little note to each guest about the reasons you’re grateful for them, and if you’re feeling generous, why not enclose a gift card? Discover the Halcyon Naturals personalised Gift Card, where your guest can select the mood and scent that resonates most with them for a truly personal experience.
Next, make sure to set aside time for each person to share what they’re most grateful for from the past year, so that you can end 2020 on a high, after a fair few lows!
How are you planning to celebrate this festive season with gratitude? We hope you enjoy an opportunity to de-stress with the Relax Halcyon candle, your brand new gratitude journal, and a freshly-baked vegan mince pie.