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November is officially National Gratitude month, and what better way to celebrate than to make an extra effort daily to thank someone in your life. It’s no coincidence that gratitude month and Thanksgiving fall during 30 day period. However, gratitude means more than saying “thanks.” It is a deeper feeling of satisfaction and appreciation that fulfills and nourishes from the inside out.
Practicing gratitude or reflecting on what you’re grateful for has been proven to generate a positive impact in psychological, physical and interpersonal wellbeing. People express how reflecting and feeling grateful for their blessings is a beneficial way to deal with chaotic, stressful and tense life moments.The benefits of gratitude impact individuals in a physical, psychological and social matter, according to a study from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. People that practice gratitude on a daily basis tend to have:
- Fewer feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- A stronger immune system.
- Better sleep.
- Lowered blood pressure.
- Reduced anxiety and depression.
- Reduction in body aches and pains.
- More forgiveness.
- Increased satisfaction at work/school.
So, a slight change in mental attitude can positively affect us in many ways. As an organization seeking motivated, passionate and happy employees, these benefits serve as an inspiration to encourage “gratitude attitude” in business. Here are some creative activities you to consider implementing to boost gratitude:
- On the first day of November send all your employees a gratitude email or letter. Sharing your gratitude for their hard work will make them feel special and appreciated.
- During the month set a daily time for employees stop, and take a minute or two to think and meditate about something or someone for which they are thankful.
- Plan a local community service activity that employees can attend. Schedule days (weekends) to spend time volunteering at an animal shelter, local church or food bank. Many national and global organizations implement acts of charity to show gratitude. Finding ways to give back to the community makes people work and feel better.
So, don’t forget the power of gratitude. Turn gratefulness and saying thank you into a habit. It creates a positive mindset and illuminates how life is a gift.
Sharon Schweitzer and Sophie Echeverry co-wrote this post. Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a cross-cultural trainer, modern manners expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre and the Intercultural Communication Institute, she serves as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. She is the resident etiquette expert on two popular lifestyle shows: ABC Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend and CBS Austin’s We Are Austin. She is regularly quoted by BBC Capital, Investor’s Business Daily, and Fortune. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, now in its third printing, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015. She’s a winner of the British Airways International Trade Award at the 2016 Greater Austin Business Awards and the 2017 New York City Big Book Award for Multicultural Nonfiction.
Sophie Echeverry is the corporate marketing manager and event coordinator at Access to Culture. Born and raised in Colombia, she’s a 2018 graduate with a B.B.A. in International Business and Marketing from Hult International Business School in San Francisco, CA. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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