

5 Ways to Practice Gratitude During a Time of Uncertainty
As social distancing becomes the new norm, feelings of panic, fear, and uncertainty have manifested into MIA toilet paper and fighting over pasta sauce in the food isles. If there's one thing that's for sure, it's that no one knows what to expect—and we are all in an unprecedented situation that no one has faced before. But right now is the perfect time to practice a little bit of gratitude, happiness, and appreciation because we're all in this together.
Here are five easy ways to show thankfulness and kindness during these trying times.

Your neighborhood shops need your business more than ever right now. So how can you help? Get takeout from your local restaurants, pick up some caffeine at the corner coffee stand or check social media to see how you can support your favorite studio, instructor, stylist, nail salon, wellness practitioner, and more. You can also leave them a positive review on their online sites and let other people know how they benefit you (and what you love about them)! Show the businesses you understand why they are closing during the current economic climate and respond with kindness and patience.

Your neighborhood shops need your business more than ever right now. So how can you help? Get takeout from your local restaurants, pick up some caffeine at the corner coffee stand or check social media to see how you can support your favorite studio, instructor, stylist, nail salon, wellness practitioner, and more. You can also leave them a positive review on their online sites and let other people know how they benefit you (and what you love about them)! Show the businesses you understand why they are closing during the current economic climate and respond with kindness and patience.

With social distancing, it is so important to communicate your emotions (especially the positive ones). Tell the people you love and care about how much you really do appreciate them. Connect with your friends and family on a virtual coffee date via Zoom, play online games, Facetime over dinner, or have an online happy hour with your crew. It may seem silly, but the more virtual social interactions we have, the less isolated we will feel—and the more grateful we are for the meaningful relationships in our lives.

With social distancing, it is so important to communicate your emotions (especially the positive ones). Tell the people you love and care about how much you really do appreciate them. Connect with your friends and family on a virtual coffee date via Zoom, play online games, Facetime over dinner, or have an online happy hour with your crew. It may seem silly, but the more virtual social interactions we have, the less isolated we will feel—and the more grateful we are for the meaningful relationships in our lives.

...and trust us, you'll make someone's day brighter, including your own. If you are considered being at a lower risk for getting ill, especially right now, see if you can go out and get groceries or run errands for someone who is higher risk (think neighbors and family members in need). Before you're going to send that nasty work email to someone who hasn't responded, please take a moment and think about what could be going on in their lives. It pays to be kind to your co-workers. Working from home is a change for many of us. And if you're about to argue with someone over the last gallon of milk, acknowledge what we are going through, and approach the situation with kindness instead of fear.

...and trust us, you'll make someone's day brighter, including your own. If you are considered being at a lower risk for getting ill, especially right now, see if you can go out and get groceries or run errands for someone who is higher risk (think neighbors and family members in need). Before you're going to send that nasty work email to someone who hasn't responded, please take a moment and think about what could be going on in their lives. It pays to be kind to your co-workers. Working from home is a change for many of us. And if you're about to argue with someone over the last gallon of milk, acknowledge what we are going through, and approach the situation with kindness instead of fear.

Take this time at home to practice self-care and self-love with calming and mindful activities. It's the little things that count, right? Try making a DIY face mask, journaling your thoughts, cooking, or even coloring. Show your body that you're grateful for it by taking virtual fitness classes on Mindbody.io. Yoga, barre, stretching, strength training—many gyms and boutique fitness studios are moving to online workout classes (and so are some fantastic instructors). Showing yourself some care, love, and gratitude during this time will be vital in maintaining your overall health and wellness.

Take this time at home to practice self-care and self-love with calming and mindful activities. It's the little things that count, right? Try making a DIY face mask, journaling your thoughts, cooking, or even coloring. Show your body that you're grateful for it by taking virtual fitness classes on Mindbody.io. Yoga, barre, stretching, strength training—many gyms and boutique fitness studios are moving to online workout classes (and so are some fantastic instructors). Showing yourself some care, love, and gratitude during this time will be vital in maintaining your overall health and wellness.

Like most people, you are probably quarantined with your family or significant other. Raise your hand if you're WFH with your S/O, because these tips are *super* helpful. For some people, being home around your loved one(s) is incredible; however, for most of the world, it will be an adjustment having EVERYONE around 24/7. Did this house get smaller? Instead of getting frustrated about being stuck inside, take time to plan something special for your "roommates". Clean the house, give them alone time, or make a special dinner. It can be a huge adjustment, and nerves can run hot, so be careful of that when you are working from home and respect everyone's methods for handling it.
Gratitude is acknowledging both the good and bad things in your life and allowing yourself to be happy. Let's take this time to take a deep breath, not worry about our TP stash, and allow ourselves to think about the positive. Maybe we might learn to find growth and gratitude in this time of uncertainty.

Like most people, you are probably quarantined with your family or significant other. Raise your hand if you're WFH with your S/O, because these tips are *super* helpful. For some people, being home around your loved one(s) is incredible; however, for most of the world, it will be an adjustment having EVERYONE around 24/7. Did this house get smaller? Instead of getting frustrated about being stuck inside, take time to plan something special for your "roommates". Clean the house, give them alone time, or make a special dinner. It can be a huge adjustment, and nerves can run hot, so be careful of that when you are working from home and respect everyone's methods for handling it.
Gratitude is acknowledging both the good and bad things in your life and allowing yourself to be happy. Let's take this time to take a deep breath, not worry about our TP stash, and allow ourselves to think about the positive. Maybe we might learn to find growth and gratitude in this time of uncertainty.