Schools
MNPS: Practicing Gratitude Can Support Mental Health And Wellness During Pandemic
The Metro Nashville School District is providing videos in English, Spanish, and Arabic on gratitude.
January 21, 2021
Living through the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for many of us but creating a gratitude practice to incorporate in our daily lives is one of the ways we can support our family's mental health and wellness.
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Watch the gratitude video presentation from Student Support Services in English, Spanish and Arabic and check out the resources linked below.
What is Gratitude and Why Is it Important?
Gratitude means pausing to notice and appreciate the things that we often take for granted like:
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Having a place to live
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Food
Clean water
Family
Friends
Good health
Internet access and technology
Reasons Why It’s Better to Live Gratefully
Grateful people:
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Give on average 20% more time and money
Will have a stronger bond with their community
Will have 10% fewer stress-related illnesses
Are physically more fit
Have blood pressure that is lower by 12%
Source: John Templeton Foundation
Youth who practice gratitude:
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Get into 13% less fights
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Are 20% more likely to get A grades
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Are less likely to start smoking
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Have more satisfying relationships with others and are better liked
How Practicing Gratitude Helps
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Promotes more positive emotions
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Being thankful for good experiences
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Improves mental and physical health
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Builds stronger relationships with those around us
Strategies to Practice Gratitude
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At dinnertime or bedtime each night, take turns sharing one thing you are grateful for and why.
Throughout the day, model for your family what gratitude looks like. Say aloud things like “Thank you for helping with the dishes. I’m grateful to have such a thoughtful son.”
As a family, make it a habit to hand-write notes when you receive a gift or act of kindness.
Create a gratitude jar and have each family member write down one thing they are grateful for each day. Reflect on what is in the jar at the end of each week.
For older kids, start a gratitude journal. Write down 3 good things you are grateful for each day.
Consider providing your child an experience, instead of that newest greatest toy, phone or outfit. A trip to the zoo or a special day with activities planned just for them will build a lasting memory. They may not remember that great new toy or outfit and will be out of style before you know it.
Download the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Download the Gratitude Tips
Do you need help?
Please visit the Family and Student Support page for information ranging from crisis line information to meals available for pickup.
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This press release was produced by the Metro Nashville Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.