COVID-19: Hand-Washing and the 10-Finger Gratitude List

What do hand-washing and practicing gratitude have in common? They can both improve your overall health and well-being. And when using the 10-finger gratitude list method, they both require your hands.

How to be grateful: don’t take anything for granted.

I fully realize my privilege that allows me to write this post: I am housed, have access to clean water, healthcare, and the internet. I’m able to comfortably self-isolate and I’m healthy. For all of these reasons and more, I am extremely lucky. I have a lot to be grateful for.

When you’re grateful, you’re not fearful. – David Steindl-Rast

During these COVID-19 times, it’s easy to feel anxious with the uncertainty that presents itself in our daily news. While I won’t purport that we can replace all of our anxiety with gratitude, giving yourself a daily break from a constant barrage of negativity by spending a few minutes being grateful is beneficial for your mental health. Here’s a fun way to do it:

The 10-Finger Gratitude List

You may have heard of the benefits of keeping a daily gratitude journal. What if you’re so busy that adding this to your daily tasks causes stress? That’s where the 10-Finger Gratitude list comes in: count on ten fingers ten things you’re grateful for. To derive the most benefit, do this daily. The more you do it, the easier it becomes, as your brain is trained to be aware of daily positive events. That can add up to a whole lot to be grateful for.

Gratitude doesn’t change your circumstances but it changes your perspective. – Makeda Pennycook

Your gratitude can extend to both the big and small features in your life, from having a roof over your head to enjoying a piece of chocolate. What’s important is to get into the habit of feeling gratitude – to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

What ten things are you grateful for today?

Image by natasaadzic (iStock)