{"id":21483,"date":"2023-11-09T10:00:49","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T15:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casartcoverings.com\/casartblog\/?p=21483"},"modified":"2026-03-26T21:14:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T01:14:18","slug":"reflecting-to-become-more-grateful-this-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casartcoverings.com\/casartblog\/reflecting-to-become-more-grateful-this-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflecting to Become More Grateful This Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

We appreciate Rose Morrison’s article, <\/em>Reflecting to Become More Grateful This Season, with helpful tips to experience Thanksgiving and the holidays with family and friends.<\/em><\/p>\n

Many thanks to Rose for her <\/em>guest post for Slipcovers for Your Walls, casartblog for Casart Coverings, removable wallpaper and decor. Be sure to read Rose’s bio at the end.
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People begin to look back on their year when it comes to an end, and you may want to, as well. Reflecting on what you have and the things you\u2019ve accomplished is an excellent way to boost your gratitude. Here\u2019s why it\u2019s so good to practice and how to reflect more often over the next few weeks.<\/p>\n

What Does Reflecting on Gratitude Mean?<\/h3>\n

Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness. You might feel it when someone holds the door open for you or a loved one shows up with a meal when you\u2019re in need.<\/p>\n

People can only recognize something they appreciate because they know the lack of it would be a loss. Reflection points out what you do and don\u2019t have. It\u2019s a vital part of becoming more grateful for what you have, like time with family or belongings.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Nathan Dumlao via unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Ways to Reflect This Year
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If you\u2019re unsure how to practice gratitude daily, use these tips to reflect more often. Minor changes to your routine could result in additional time and energy to foster appreciation.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Umit Bulut via unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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1. Schedule Quiet Time<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s much easier to reflect when you have some quiet time. Research shows people between 25 and 54 spend an average of four hours daily<\/a> on leisure activities, but that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re relaxing. It could include listening to a podcast while commuting or another multitasking activity.<\/p>\n

Revisit your schedule to see how much quiet time you can add to your day. It might mean going to bed 10 minutes later so you can sit on your back porch, take deep breaths and think about the people you love.<\/p>\n

You could also use your newly found free time to make a gratitude journal. Once you have a few things written down, you\u2019ll know what to think about during your reflection time.<\/p>\n

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Faux Tortoiseshell 2 Blanket for cozy quiet time via Casart Decor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n[Reference link to Casart Faux Tortoiseshell 2 Throw Blanket<\/a> and Casart Decor<\/a> items & accessories]\n

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\"Refecting
Photo by Ashlyn Cara via unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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2. Review Your Budget<\/h3>\n

Financial stress affects everyone. There\u2019s always another thing draining your bank account besides utility or credit card bills. Additionally, you may feel more stressed about not doing enough when you check your credit card accounts. Interest rates increase your overall debt spending<\/a> by making you pay more over time, especially for people with large balances.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s good to focus on financial goals, but they steal your attention away from what you\u2019ve already accomplished. Set aside time to review your budget and reflect on your financial success afterward.<\/p>\n

You likely have things to be grateful for, like the car you drive or the savings you\u2019ve set aside. Recognize how those things benefit you to foster more gratitude in every aspect of your life.<\/p>\n

\"Review
Photo by Allef Vinicus via unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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3. Catch Negative Thoughts<\/h3>\n

Thoughts are instinctive. You may not control each thing that passes through your mind, but you can slowly recognize the thoughts stealing your gratitude with practice. It\u2019s an essential way to change your mindset and become more grateful all year.<\/p>\n

First, you\u2019ll need to track when or how the negative thoughts enter your mind. Try journaling on your phone or in a notebook to see when you\u2019re most focused on things preventing you from being grateful. Your notes may indicate a specific time of day to practice your new gratitude routine so it\u2019s most helpful.<\/p>\n

You could also experience generally heightened anxiety during the winter because you\u2019re getting less sunlight. Sunshine boosts your serotonin levels<\/a>, making people feel instantly happier. Winter means shorter days, so a sunlight simulator could be another tool to prevent negative thoughts from reducing your gratitude.<\/p>\n

However, some people prefer darkness because light drives them to stay busy. Heavy blinds would set a calmer mood<\/a> in your living space to help your mind slow down.<\/p>\n

Your journaling may indicate you\u2019re unhappy at home, which has a few solutions. You could work on relationships with your family members or roommates to feel more grateful for your home environment. Redecorating is another way to claim your space and love your life.<\/p>\n

You might appreciate framed nature art<\/a> in your home because it reduces anxiety. Seeing natural elements like plants or wild animals minimizes anxiety symptoms<\/a> even when those elements aren\u2019t real. Once you have less stress or anxiety, it\u2019s easier to release the reduced number of negative thoughts making you feel unhappy about your life.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Chalis 007 via unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\"Casart
Casart Framed Canvas Print Chinoiserie Panel 1 Colored with Gray Raw Silk Background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Source: Casart Decor Chinoiserie Collection<\/a> & Casart Chinoiserie Designs<\/a>\u00a0 (main website)<\/p>\n

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4. Restore Your Energy Naturally<\/h3>\n

Drinking lots of energy drinks or eating foods that cause sugar rushes leads to crashes. It\u2019s much more challenging to feel grateful when you\u2019re grumpy. If low energy keeps you from appreciating what you have, consider restoring it naturally through your nutrition and sleep routine.<\/p>\n

Using electronics 30 minutes before bed reduces your overall sleep quality throughout the night. Spend that time with your gratitude journal instead or reflect on what you love about your life while meditating.<\/p>\n

Adjusting your daily diet may give you the energy to maintain a positive attitude. Swap processed foods for whole grains or natural items that don\u2019t contain tons of sugar. You\u2019ll appreciate the occasional sweet treat more and stabilize your energy.<\/p>\n

Drinking more water will also help you avoid the discontentment that comes with feeling low energy. Carry a bottle for convenience or keep your sparkling water cold with a can cooler<\/a> that matches your personality. Having it within reach will keep you hydrated and feeling your best.<\/p>\n

\"Jumping
Photo by Zachary Nelson via unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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5. Delegate More Often<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s challenging to become more grateful when you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities. Try delegating what you can to see how it affects your stress levels. Giving tasks to others equipped to handle them will conserve and restore your energy. You\u2019ll feel more at peace with your life because your mental health is in a better place.<\/p>\n

\"Hands
Photo by Hannah Busing via unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You\u2019ll also gain more time to relax and reflect on what makes you grateful. The time could inspire you to upgrade your sense of style<\/a> as you realize what you love about yourself. You\u2019ll appreciate yourself, your belongings and your relationships more when daily responsibilities don\u2019t steal your focus.<\/p>\n

\"Casart
Making meals more communal and enjoyable with Casart Decor Tabletop Accessories in Autumn colors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Source: Casart Tabletop Decor<\/a><\/p>\n

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6. Talk with an Accountability Buddy<\/h3>\n

A recent study found accountability improved each participant\u2019s commitment to their goals. It might feel silly to ask someone to be your gratitude accountability buddy, but it might be best for everyone involved.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll work together to reinforce reflection periods and discuss what you learn from your thoughtful practice. The gentle reminders to practice your new habits will keep you both committed to the positive change you want to make.<\/p>\n

Another person\u2019s perspective may also be the last bit of help you need to become more grateful this season. A loved one may point out things you take for granted, like your comfy couch or good health. Their recognition may reveal more ways to love your life, making gratitude easier to achieve.<\/p>\n

\"Friends
Photo by Kevin Laminto via unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Try Reflecting Throughout Your Week<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Becoming more grateful is a great aspiration that\u2019s easier to achieve with reflection. Use these tips to reflect more often. Taking care of your mental health and adjusting your routine will help you appreciate more things about your life and feel content right where you are.<\/p>\n

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Additional posts & resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n