Giving Back and Gratitude
So you have heard that its good for your mental health to give back and have gratitude (yep – it significantly improves mood and lowers anxiety). But how do we actually do gratitude and give back, and where on earth do we find the time?
The good news is gratitude can be as easy as noticing a nice sunset, or a warm smile from a buddy. Pause, notice that feeling of contentment, soak it up and savour this brief blessing.
With a bit more time on your hands, try:
- Start a gratitude journal (example prompts here for you to download and print) Write down one thing each day that you are grateful for.
- Practice gratitude rituals (an example activity here!). This could be saying grace before a meal, or simply noticing a delicious meal and thanking its maker!
- Tell people in your life what they mean to you. Write a card or tell them in person.
- Go on a mindfulness walk and draw your attention to appreciate your surroundings. You can do this be focusing in turn on each of your senses. What do you notice?
Looking to give back, but don’t know where to start?
What about:
- Cook a soup or walk the dog for someone you know who is ill,
- Cook some meals and donate them to SantaAssist – the College’s support network that offers meals to members of our community in times of need (ask your Dean for more information).
- Donate money to a worthy local cause (you could look at GoFundMe pages).
- Do a wardrobe audit and donate quality items to those in need.
- Take a rubbish bag and gloves down to your local park and do a clean-up.
- Spread the word of worthy causes via social media or with your friends.
- Visit a retirement home and offer to read with the residents.
- Get involved with the various service opportunities at the College.
For more structured way to give back, your local council will list volunteer opportunities. Explore their websites (such as City of Melville here) for activities that might interest you.