Compiled by Ashmar Mandou

Thanksgiving is a time for family traditions and delicious meals, however it is also a superb time for reflection on all the goodness in our lives. With so much occurring in the world around us it can be easy to lose sight of the things that matter. This Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reset our minds and practice gratitude to set us on a positive path for the New Year.

Keep a gratitude journal
The idea of keeping a gratitude journal might be daunting – but, you just need to keep it simple. Start (or end) your day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. It could be anything from the weather, to the fact that you finally got a full night of sleep. Just the mere idea of seeing your grateful thoughts on paper has tons of health and happiness benefits.  

Commit to one day of no complaining
It’s easy to find ourselves complaining about the simplest things. That’s because our mind naturally gravitates towards negative thoughts. But with practice, we can train our minds to think positively. Try going one full day without complaining about anything, and see how it makes you feel.

Spend some time volunteering
When we help others, we are actually helping ourselves achieve greater happiness in life. Volunteering, especially around the holidays, not only helps you contribute to your community – but it’s also a great way to practice gratitude. This Thanksgiving, spend your morning at a local soup kitchen or find other ways to give back.