“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” –Proverb borrowed from our Parent Partners at Campolindo
Often, the holiday season can bring high expectations for a cozy and festive time of the year. However, for many this time brings feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed by the never-ending “to do” list. New research suggests that one aspect of the holiday season can actually lift the spirits and rewire our brains – practicing gratitude and giving. Read more in this blog from the Harvard Medical School or from Cal Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine. Research reports that being grateful helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature or a higher power. The Neuroscience of Gratitude is well-documented in research and there are very simple acts that you can incorporate into your family’s life and encourage your teens to do to help them practice gratitude:
- Take a moment to simply acknowledge your gratitude daily. Start each morning with writing or sharing 5 things you are grateful for.
- Write a thank you note – to a teacher or a friend or a neighbor or our local fire or police department – to express your gratitude.
- Find opportunities to volunteer or give. Our students just participated in a few donation drives but several local charities can use our help. A few include GratefulGatherings and the Food Bank of Contra Costa County.
Tuesday, Dec 14 at 4pm Challenge Success Healthier Approach to College Admissions Talk – This event will help parents support their students’ well-being during the college admission process and beyond. Registration link is here with a recording sent afterwards for those who cannot attend the live event. Cost is $10.
Save the Date – Thursday, Jan 20 Challenge Success Well-Balanced Student Virtual Workshop.
Finally, if your teen is struggling with academics or feeling down or frustrated about school, don’t forget to connect with our Counselors, our Nurse, and our Wellness Center.
Feel free to reach out and connect with us with ideas for future topics, shareable resources, or thoughts at parented@acalanesparentsclub.com.
