Take care tip: Gratitude journals

In response to recent events and ongoing stressors, the UNMC Campus Wellness team and Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, remind you to “Take Care.” Beginning today, the team will offer a series of wellness tips and strategies to promote personal wellness and well-being.

Their message: “Take Care” of yourself; “Take Care” of others, including your co-workers, loved ones and friends; and “Take Care” from a professional, when needed.

Social connectedness is an important component of wellness, but because of physical distancing, connecting with others is more difficult now. Fortunately, we can reach out through email, phone calls and video chats to show support and build community. Taking care of those around you also may mean recognizing when someone is struggling, more distant, distressed and/or anxious. If you notice that a friend or co-worker is struggling, reach out and connect with them. Ask them how they are doing, listen for signs of distress and connect them to resources.

Today’s “Take Care” tip: Keep a gratitude journal.

There is solid research demonstrating improvement in mood, and even structure, in people who routinely write down three things for which they are grateful. This can be done daily, or at least weekly. Writing is the secret — it helps your brain process information and trains your brain to look for the positives around us. This is a great thing to do in this Thanksgiving season, and a good habit for all year round.

Share something you are grateful for in the comments below.

10 comments

  1. Dr. Sheritta Strong says:

    Simply stated: I am thankful for my physical health, emotional well-being, and the ability to stay connected to family and friends.

  2. Sara Bills says:

    I'm thankful for my wonderful family who fill me with love and laughter. I'm thankful for my co-workers who inspire me to keep going even when times get hard. I'm grateful for my work which gives me purpose.

  3. Fran Higgins says:

    I'm grateful I woke up this morning, that I can safely work from home, that I HAVE a home and a job that I enjoy. I'm also grateful I can be of service to others and thankful for the healthcare workers working so hard right now.

  4. Lisa Spellman says:

    I am grateful for friends, family, co-workers and pets who all provide me with life, love and laughter.

  5. Aurelie Villard says:

    I am grateful for my family and friends.

  6. Karen Burbach says:

    During COVID-19, I have been especially grateful for the tireless work of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine's health care teams, IT and EVS staff, teachers, researchers and public safety officers.

  7. Kusum K. Kharbanda says:

    I am grateful to my parents and siblings for their love and support, for a job that I enjoy and for faith that keeps me happy and contented.

  8. Cori Nathan says:

    I am thankful for my family, friends, health, and my job. Also guilty pleasure reality TV.

  9. Kelly Sneed says:

    Thankful to have my parents with us for another year of celebrations and holidays. Mom with Alzheimer's and dad with COPD and mom's caregiver can be stressful. Life is definitely not fair sometimes!

  10. Andy Lim says:

    I am grateful for wonderful advisors in my program, my family, and my friends who have been supportive and looking out for one another in this difficult time.

Comments are closed.