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The Gratitude Challenge: 3 ways to make this thankful season more meaningful

Take a gratitude challenge this November.

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, it’s the time of year when our focus naturally shifts towards gratitude. We’ve all heard about the benefits of gratitude practices, but have we truly embraced their potential?

Author and speaker Connie Sokol issues the Studio 5 Gratitude Challenge, urging us all to engage in this practice together.

Find more advice from Connie at conniesokol.com.

 

3 Ways to Make the Most of a Gratitude Challenge

We know the basics – being grateful makes us happier, right? But there are lesser-known benefits, too. Gratitude can enhance romantic relationships, build resilience, and even contribute to physical healing. It’s like a magic bullet that, once embraced, affects every aspect of our lives.

Get Specific

Connie emphasizes the importance of being specific in our gratitude practice. Rather than vague acknowledgments, zoom in on the little details. She suggests a simple yet powerful exercise: the five-finger gratitude approach. Identify five areas in your life that hold meaning for you. It could be anything from family and friends to personal contributions and spontaneous acts of service. By consciously acknowledging these aspects daily, you ground yourself in the present, making gratitude a tangible experience.

Keep it Consistent

Consistency, as Connie highlights, is key. Research suggests that dedicating just 15 minutes a day, five days a week for six weeks, can yield significant benefits. The trick is to integrate gratitude into your existing routine. Whether it’s during your morning makeup routine, your daily commute, or right before bedtime, find those moments to express gratitude. Over time, these small drops of gratitude accumulate, leading to profound positive changes in your life.

Make it Your Own

Connie encourages everyone to make this practice their own. Gratitude doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people integrate it with their daily sips of water, while others share their moments of gratitude on social media. Find what works for you, what resonates with your soul, and infuse your life with this transformative energy.

Studio 5 November Gratitude Challenge

Here’s the challenge: Choose your five meaningful areas, and every day – verbally or written – express your gratitude for something specific in one of the areas. For example, maybe family is one of your areas. You could express your gratitude for technology that keeps you connected.

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