November is National Gratitude Month, and it could not have come at a better time. As the weather starts to shift, schedules get busier, midterms pile up, and travel plans have turned my calendar from a 1950s black-and-white television set to a color-coded Netflix grid, I think it’s safe to say that we college kids haven’t stopped to come up for air. National Gratitude Month reminds us there is more to life than girl-bossing (too close to the sun) and hustling (too fast for our own good). However, I’m not naive; our ambition is too strong to take hours out of our day to write a novel on why we love this wonderful thing called life. Instead, I’m sharing five small ways to show gratitude each day, even when you might not be feeling so grateful. (I’m looking at you, research paper…)
1. Put On your favorite song
This has to be my favorite way to revel in life’s glory. Even when my day isn’t going my way, throwing on my favorite throwback 2000s hit, my guilty-pleasure showtune, or my nostalgic country-music anthem always makes me remember there is so much to smile about! I challenge you to turn it on then throw your phone across the room, just for those four minutes and nineteen seconds. Get lost in the rhythm, remind yourself why those lyrics resonated with you in the first place, and dance around your bedroom serving us T-Swift circa You Belong With Me.
2. Call an old friend
An oldie, but a goodie. I hate to admit this, but sometimes we avoid calling old friends or family members because we make it feel like a chore. Remind yourself that once you hear their voice again, this phone call is always fun. If you’re pressed for time and can’t do your usual 3-hour dissection of why that guy looked at you in class the other day, just remind them how much they mean to you. Because, let’s be honest with ourselves, we all know we don’t tell people we love them nearly as much as we should — and it always turns my day around.
3. Use the Stickies App for a Mini-Journal Sesh
I’m not about to sit here and tell you to whip out a fancy diary, jotting down feelings until your wrist twists or you fall asleep. If you are a natural journaler, I envy you. If you can’t seem to get in that habit, I am you. However, I’ve become more cognizant about the power of reflection; hence, I utilize the “stickies” app on my computer to have a running list of what I’m grateful for. Because we college women are always on our screens (blame classes, not us!), it’s so easy to quickly give your thanks on your desktop. Today, I’ve added when your roommates clean the house without you asking, my nana’s health and prosperity, and really long hugs to my gratitude list — and it will never stop growing.
4. Walk around the block and don’t bring your cell phone
Going for walks has to be the best form of exercise, but in this case, they are far more than that. Taking five-minute walks continuously throughout your day gives you mental clarity, energy, and a fresh perspective. I love to use this strategy when in the depths of the studying dark hole. Most importantly, do not bring your needy pet cell phone — unlike our beloved furry friends, it doesn’t need time outdoors. Getting on your feet and off your phone allows you to get in touch with your senses, showing gratitude to your mind and body.
5. Show Your Friend some unexpected act of kindness
We all love a kind birthday gift. But there’s something so special about a thoughtful act of kindness that comes out of nowhere. For this one, I cannot stress enough how little cash needs to be involved. Show your hometown friend you love them by texting them an old memory out of nowhere. Show your roommate you love them by bringing them home their favorite fruit that you get with your meal plan. The littlest ways to show you care go the longest way — and help you appreciate your friendship, too.