With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s important to reflect on what you’re grateful for. These things could range from loved ones, like friends or family, to personal circumstances, such as good health and a stable home. Taking a moment each day to appreciate what you have in life can benefit you in many ways. The most important benefit is an improvement in your mental health.

DHS counselor Michelle Jones, who oversees the Shield here on campus, reminds us that gratitude increases positivity, mental health, and overall well-being. Practicing gratitude trains your brain to focus on what is going well instead of what’s lacking. It shifts away from negative thoughts.

 “Gratitude Journals are one of the ways we encourage students here at Dinuba High School,” Ms. Jones says.  She has students write down three things they are grateful for daily, focusing on moments, people, or achievements that brought them joy or peace.

“We also encourage students to attempt mindful reflection, which is a mindfulness strategy where students spend a few minutes at the end of the day reflecting on positive aspects such as something fun that took place or a friend that made them feel good,” she added.

Some other ways to practice gratitude include keeping a gratitude jar, volunteering or helping others, performing random acts of kindness, or learning to express appreciation for friends and loved ones.

When people become stressed or feel down, it affects their mental health. It’s important to take care of your mental health because ignoring it can lead to serious problems. So, whenever you’re feeling down in the dumps, take a moment to be grateful for what you have, and your day will undoubtedly go much smoother.