Create a Gratitude Mindset with this Five-Minute Mental Exercise

While many folks have adjusted to a new normal as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, others are still feeling the effects in daily life. There is only so much we can do to change the course of the pandemic, but we are able to master our gratitude mindset. 

A quick five-minute exercise can help you organize your to-do list and focus your mindset for the day. On an index card, post-it note or other small notepad, write the following things:

I will focus on…Choose just a couple of items that you will focus on that day. These should be smaller tasks or even self-care related items. To-do lists can get so long. Here’s your chance to knock out a couple things you’re needing to do without getting overwhelmed. 

I am grateful for… Humans are naturally programmed to look for problems and fix them. Sometimes, we need to train ourselves to focus on things we are grateful for. Get specific with what you are grateful for! 

I will let go of… Studies show that when you share what is causing you stress, it actually helps you relieve that stress. Practice self-compassion and write down a couple small worries or stresses to let go of in order to reach more contentment in your life.

Most people are awake for approximately 1,000 minutes each day. Completing the exercise detailed above is a simple habit that takes only five of those minutes. Yet, it can have a great impact on your day. Give it a try, and let’s see if we can all create positive energy and gratitude mindsets! 

Adapted from “This Two-Minute Morning Practice Will Make Your Day Better”, an HBR article by Neil Pasricha.