You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to give thanks in November. This month is National Gratitude Month, and it’s a simple way to incorporate the powers of gratitude into your daily life and routine.

Incorporating a gratitude practice involves more than simply saying “thanks.” It involves a mindset shift from the negative to the positive. It’s a shift from scarcity to abundance. This can be a powerful step for anyone, including the elderly and disabled. It can improve our moods, decrease stress, improve our health and well-being, and lead to a happier existence. It’s something that can improve our lives in so many ways.

Below are just a few ways that you can practice gratitude in your daily life, and celebrate National Gratitude Month.

Celebrate National Gratitude Month

Tell Someone What They Mean to You – One simple way to develop a gratitude practice is to tell people in your life what they mean to you. Make sure that your spouse, children, family, friends, and colleagues know what they mean to you. When was the last time you explicitly told them?

Notice the Small Stuff – If you have daily routines that feel like drudgery, it might be time to stop and notice the small details. What kind of flowers or plants do you pass on your morning walk? Does your dog clamor for attention that you don’t always give? What traits do you particularly like about the people around you? It’s time to take notice of the details in your life.

Keep a Gratitude Journal – You can take a few moments at the beginning and end of everyday to note the positive blessings in your life. This is a great way to train yourself for a shift in perspective.

Practice Mindfulness – This simply means to concentrate on the present moment, and not to dwell in the past or the future.

Gratitude During Meals – We can help family members and children to see the positive side of life. One simple way might be to simply share with family members before a meal what you are grateful for.

Embrace Your Challenges – It’s easy for the elderly or disabled to sink into a pattern of depression, anxiety or anger. But once you accept your situation, you can do more to maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle.

Gratitude Can Be Life-Changing

A life of gratitude can be life-changing, especially for the elderly and disabled. National Gratitude Month is a time to explore your daily routine and habits. It’s a time to see what might work for you, and incorporate it into your routine for November and beyond.