My Three Minute Ritual to Increase Your Happiness During Quarantine

Want to know a simple secret to my happiness?

Gratitude.

Yes, it’s really that simple…especially now.

During these trying times I have found myself unable to stop watching the news. Some days are more difficult than others.  There have been mornings where I immediately check the news when I wake up and the information is so sad that it’s difficult for me to move on with my day without worry. 

However, with everything happening in the world right now and all of the stress and sadness I may be feeling, I have found it extremely comforting to think about the good things in my life. 

I’m safe at home.  My loved ones and I are all healthy.  I have a roof over my head and food on my plate.

There is nothing more powerful to change your perspective than to be grateful, and having a gratitude practice can help us get through these stressful times. 

What do I mean by “gratitude practice”? 

I write down three things I’m grateful for every night in my journal.  It may seem silly, but it helps.  It forces me to look for things throughout my day that I’m grateful for.  And let’s be honest, some days it’s harder to find meaningful things, but that’s okay. 

Last week I wrote that I was grateful for Tiger King, Zoom happy hours with my girlfriends, and Ben & Jerry’s.  Whatever gets us through this, right?

 And don’t worry if you don’t have a journal or are too tired to even fathom writing a list at the end of the day. I find writing helps, but that’s just what works for me.  You can list them to yourself or your partner before you even get out of bed in the morning if that works for you.  One of my clients texts me her list of three items on her lunch break.  You can say them to yourself in the shower or as you brush your teeth. There is no perfect way, as long as you actually do it. 

They say that energy flows where our attention goes.  So, let’s focus our attention throughout our day on the good things.  Look for things to be grateful for each and every day.  I promise that once you start, you’ll begin to feel a shift and eventually you’ll start to feel much better.