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Gratitude – finding this little tonic during lockdown

When it comes to uplifting yourself and also uniting people then it’s gratitude that is often found, writes client Ian Lamb.

People and professionals from all walks of life have said it, from therapists and counsellors who highly recommend it, to various mental health workers, as well as it being one of the main suggestions within the world of complementary and alternative therapy.

All appear to agree that gratitude can be a fundamental part of one’s health and wellbeing.

Even within several religious faiths such as Christianity, various branches of Paganism and Buddhism have all talked about finding gratitude and willed people to express it and of course, one does not have to be religious in order for you to find gratitude in everyday life.

Also, it’s far from it being classed as some new age superstition too because it’s been proven! Researchers have found that expressing gratitude on a regular basis in just a few weeks has the power to change the way you think. And during these difficult times where lockdown has bound us, lack of interaction has floored us and so much fear, uncertainty and grief because of Covid-19 has stunned us all, then changing the way we think by finding and expressing gratitude has, perhaps, never been more needed.  

But the obvious question is, just how does one express gratitude and especially now, given the lack of motivation that we may all be feeling?

The power really is within your hands because there’s power through the written word. So grab yourself a pen and some paper, or your laptop if that’s your preferred way of writing. You may wish to use a nice notebook and within this book it’s up to you whether you wish to express yourself through writing or even drawing. This is your gratitude list.

Now while you’re sitting down and hopefully feeling relaxed and mindful, think of all the things and the people that bring a smile to your face – what or who makes your heart melt? Be mindful of all the people you’ve recently interacted with. Perhaps you’ve received a phone call from your mum? Your dad? Your grandparents? Or your best friend?  Write this down: “I feel grateful for the phone call I received” .  

Write how it made you feel and as you’re writing it down you are automatically giving thanks for this interaction. Repeat this with as many interactions you’ve had over the last 24 hours, 48 hours or longer. Whatever springs to your mind, write it down – you can number each expression of gratitude you’re giving for each interaction, building your list as you continue to write.  

Why do you feel grateful for that text message or for that phone call? Maybe you’ve received a letter from a penpal? How’s it made you feel? Write it down. You’re expressing your gratitude as you write it down. Maybe you’re on various social media platforms and you’ve received a message from an old school friend? Or a best friend who has tagged you into a heartfelt message? Write it down. Or if you really detest writing then draw it, draw an expression that feels right for you. This is your gratitude list so make it unique to you however you choose. So long as you understand it and it’s doing its intended purpose of expressing how grateful you are because what you’re doing is putting out positive intentions.  

What have you done today? Yesterday, or as recently as you want? What’s made you smile? You may have found yourself feeling really stuck and lacking energy but you’ve made a really nice lunch for yourself or for your family, the people you live with? Or have you donated to a charitable cause? Helped a neighbour or a neighbour has helped you? Perhaps you’re one of the people clapping for our key workers? Are you a keyworker yourself? 

Express these tasks which are often accomplishments, through words or drawing such as “I’m grateful for finding the energy for getting out of bed. For making that great lunch” and “I’m grateful for the people who I made lunch for as they said thank you to me.”  Other examples could be: “I’m grateful for the NHS” or “I’m grateful for that walk I’ve just had to the shop or to the park. The fresh air, the sunshine, the exercise…”  This is your starting point within your gratitude list so write as many as you can think of. 

Perhaps you’ve finally managed to finish that book that you’ve meant to read for so long? Or maybe a stranger such as the shop assistant smiled at you and said hello, maybe asked how you are doing? 

It really doesn’t matter how big or how small it is. It’s about recognising it and expressing it. By writing it down (or drawing it) you are creating positive energy which has the power to create that positive energy within yourself, your mind. You can be creative with it, maybe use different coloured pens so each expression looks colourful. However you do it, know that you’re giving thanks to the people you care about and you’re acknowledging what you have accomplished during these hard times.  

Then tomorrow, maybe at the end of the day when the sun sets, have a think about this last day and aim to write at least three things you feel grateful for. What’s happened? Who have you connected with? Maybe you’ve sat and enjoyed watching your favourite TV programme or film? “I feel grateful for being able to sit and relax and enjoy my TV programme or film.”  Challenge yourself by trying to keep your gratitude list for a full month by writing as many things and people that have made you feel grateful. 

Don’t worry about it too much if you miss a day because on the next day when you do continue it, you may find you’ve got even more things to add to it. When I do my gratitude list, I write the date and then number of each thing I feel grateful for. Some days I can write between 3-5 things while other days I’m writing 10+ ways and means of how and why I feel grateful. It does help! 

And because I feel keen to keep adding to it, I’ll do something different or find myself talking to someone I haven’t in a while so this adds not only to my gratitude list but also adds to happy memories and positive thoughts.  It feels nice seeing so many different people that I have now added to my gratitude list and the more I write, the bigger I’m finding the list is getting because I am actively searching for things to feel grateful for. 

You may also find that keeping a gratitude list can inspire you to create more goals for yourself and then when you find yourself accomplishing those goals whether it’s a home study course, pushing yourself to get out of bed and get going or maybe even something to do with arts and crafts.  Whatever it may be, these are goals that you can work towards and by writing them down in your grateful list, you’re not only acknowledging yet more accomplishments but you’re also continuing to express positive statements. 

Of course, you are bound to experience bad days and on those dark days where the world really does feel like it’s ending I’ve found myself reading what I’ve written over the last few days, weeks or even months. This is a great way to reflect.  

Hopefully, you’ll put together a list of great things that make you smile, that create great memories, the people you have met be it family, friends or even kind strangers who may just simply say “thank you” to you.  By reflecting upon your list of gratitude, you’ll see just how lucky you are. How many people really do care about you.  Hopefully that will curb that dark cloud from getting thicker, by throwing you some light so that despite the lockdown and the tough times we’re having, even now, there is a lot still to be grateful for. 

Good luck x 

Author: Suzy Poole
Posted on: 18th May 2020

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When we set lots of New Year's Resolutions, it can be hard to stick to them.Here's Kelly, one of our Children and Young People's Community Wellbeing Workers, with some advice on how to make positive changes step-by-step.youtu.be/tpfBJne7uiM ... See MoreSee Less

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Kelly, Children and Young People's Community Wellbeing Worker at Mind in Bradford, gives advice on how to make positive changes step-by-step.
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Bradford District is in a particularly critical period in the battle to beat COVID-19 and public health experts are calling on everyone to think twice about their daily activities.Bradford Council Leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: "It’s everyone’s responsibility to take all the precautions they can and help to keep our communities and our NHS safe. "The more people who Stay at Home, and the more people who think carefully and focus on hands, face, space if they do need to go out, the better in the fight to conquer COVID-19."Read more at www.mindinbradford.org.uk/news/everyone-urged-to-think-twice-about-their-covid-actions/ ... See MoreSee Less

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The third Monday in January has become known as Blue Monday. This year, it falls on Monday 18 January.We want to encourage you to turn the day into something positive by getting together with others for a virtual cuppa, in support of Samaritans' #BrewMonday.Yet we also want to remind you that we will be here for you if you need us. We have lots going on on the day - swipe through to see what's right for you ☕Read more at www.mindinbradford.org.uk/news/turn-blue-monday-into-a-brew-monday/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Mind in Bradford is sharing a COVID-19 update.

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Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, we are sharing with you an update from Bradford Council.Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health, said: "The virus can be passed on in any place where people from different households meet, so everyone should think twice before they leave the house. "Any single unnecessary contact with someone is a possible link in a chain of infection transmission that could lead to a vulnerable person."Read more at www.mindinbradford.org.uk/news/everyone-urged-to-think-twice-about-their-covid-actions/ ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago

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Our Service Manager, April, recently spoke to BBC Radio Bradford about how to look after your mental health in lockdown.Two of her key wellbeing tips were to get creative and to stay connected.April said: "As human beings, we're built for connection. Connecting with people that we love and people that we know is so important in keeping our minds healthy."Read more at www.mindinbradford.org.uk/news/service-manager-april-speaks-to-bbc-radio-bradford/ ... See MoreSee Less

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AvatarMind in Bradford@MindinBradford·
4h

When we set lots of #NewYearsResolutions, it can be hard to stick to them.

Here's Kelly, one of our Children and Young People's Community Wellbeing Workers, with some advice on how to make positive changes step-by-step.

https://youtu.be/tpfBJne7uiM

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Our friends at @MindinBradford want your views on their new Strategy- check it out https://www.facebook.com/644287929070999/posts/1858641774302269/?d=n

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AvatarMind in Bradford@MindinBradford·
14 Jan

This #BlueMonday, we're encouraging you to get together with others for a virtual cuppa, in support of @samaritans' #BrewMonday.

Yet we also want to remind you that we will be here for you if you need us - swipe through to see what's on ☕

Read more at https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/news/turn-blue-monday-into-a-brew-monday/

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13 Jan

Kindness, compassion and understanding 🙂 https://twitter.com/helenbevan/status/1349424803569143811

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AvatarMind in Bradford@MindinBradford·
14 Jan

Due to the rapid spread of #COVID19, we are sharing with you an update from @bradfordmdc.

"The virus can be passed on in any place where people from different households meet, so everyone should think twice before they leave the house."

Read more at https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/news/everyone-urged-to-think-twice-about-their-covid-actions/

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Mind in Bradford
When we set lots of New Year's Resolutions, it can When we set lots of New Year's Resolutions, it can be hard to stick to them. 

Here's Kelly, one of our Children and Young People's Community Wellbeing Workers, with some advice on how to make positive changes step-by-step. 

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #NewYearsResolutions #NewYear #Wellbeing #WellbeingTips #PositiveChange
Bradford District is in a particularly critical pe Bradford District is in a particularly critical period in the battle to beat COVID-19 and public health experts are calling on everyone to think twice about their daily activities.

@bradfordmdc Leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: "It’s everyone’s responsibility to take all the precautions they can and help to keep our communities and our NHS safe. 

"The more people who Stay at Home, and the more people who think carefully and focus on hands, face, space if they do need to go out, the better in the fight to conquer COVID-19."

Read more via the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #BradfordCouncil #COVID19 #ThinkTwice #HandsFaceSpace #StayHome
The third Monday in January has become known as Bl The third Monday in January has become known as Blue Monday. This year, it falls on Monday 18 January.

We want to encourage you to turn the day into something positive by getting together with others for a virtual cuppa, in support of @samaritanscharity's #BrewMonday.

Yet we also want to remind you that we will be here for you if you need us. 

We have lots going on on the day - swipe through to see what's right for you ☕

Read more via the link in bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Samaritans #BrewMonday #BlueMonday #WhatsOn #Wellbeing #GuideLine #TheSanctuary #Support #VirtualCuppa
Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, we are sharin Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, we are sharing with you an update from @bradfordmdc. 

Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health, said: "The virus can be passed on in any place where people from different households meet, so everyone should think twice before they leave the house. 

"Any single unnecessary contact with someone is a possible link in a chain of infection transmission that could lead to a vulnerable person."

Read more via the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #BradfordCouncil #COVID19 #Lockdown #ThinkTwice #StayHome #Pandemic
Our Service Manager, April, recently spoke to BBC Our Service Manager, April, recently spoke to BBC Radio Bradford about how to look after your mental health in lockdown.

Two of her key wellbeing tips were to get creative and to stay connected.

April said: "As human beings, we're built for connection. Connecting with people that we love and people that we know is so important in keeping our minds healthy."

To listen to April's interview in full, check the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #BBCRadioBradford #WellbeingTips #GetCreative #StayConnected #Lockdown #HealthyMinds
On Wednesday 27 January, CEO Helen will hold a mon On Wednesday 27 January, CEO Helen will hold a monthly online catch-up with clients, to update on what's happening here and to hear your feedback.

To join the meeting hosted on Zoom, please book via the Eventbrite link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Client #Feedback
We are going to make this year's Blue Monday a Bre We are going to make this year's Blue Monday a Brew Monday!

We're supporting @samaritanscharity by turning this day on its head and into something positive. We're encouraging you to reach out to friends, family or colleagues for a virtual cuppa and chat.

Now more than ever, sharing a brew is more than a drink – it's about reaching out, checking in and staying connected. 

We'd love to see what your #BrewMonday looks like - tag us in your posts on the day!

Read more via the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #BlueMonday #BrewMonday #Samaritans #VirtualCuppa #StayConnected
We want to hear your views on our draft strategy f We want to hear your views on our draft strategy for 2021-2024.

We have put together a short survey consisting of various mission statements and values we think are important for our future work, from our strategy consultation so far. 

We would love to hear your thoughts on them.

To complete the survey or to read more, follow the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Survey #Feedback #Strategy #StrategyDevelopment #Mission #Values #2021
Before Christmas, we received an incredible food d Before Christmas, we received an incredible food donation from the Community Champions at @Morrisons Mayo Avenue!

The majority of the food donated has been made into food parcels for clients who are struggling to buy food. 

Administrator and Project Coordinator Laura said: "We were very grateful for the donation. We would like to thank the Morrisons Community Champions once again for their generosity – it was far beyond what we were expecting!"

Read more via the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Morrisons #CommunityChampions #FoodParcels #Donation #Christmas #Giving
We are the local branch of Mind for people in Brad We are the local branch of Mind for people in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. 

If you need support with your mental health, we are here for you. 

Find out what support services we offer at https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/about-us/

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Airedale #Wharfedale #Craven #StillHereToHelp #Lockdown #Support #GuideLine
Resist the urge to strive for an entirely new you Resist the urge to strive for an entirely new you in 2021. 

Be kind to yourself and accept who you were last year, are today and will be tomorrow 💙

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #BeKind #Acceptance #NewYear #2021
Our Service Manager, April, recently spoke to BBC Our Service Manager, April, recently spoke to BBC Radio Bradford about how to look after your mental health in lockdown.

She shared advice on how to look after your wellbeing, with one of her key tips being to get out in nature.

April said: "Even if you’re not able to leave the place that you live in, open the window first thing in the morning and hear the dawn chorus. Nature never fails to give us medicine."

To listen to April's interview in full, check the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #BBCRadioBradford #WellbeingTips
This New Year, choose yourself - don't change your This New Year, choose yourself - don't change yourself! 

Do things that make you happy, nourish your mind and body and take time for yourself 💙

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #NewYear #2021 #ChooseYourself
We currently face our biggest challenge yet and ar We currently face our biggest challenge yet and are in need of your help.

We are asking local businesses to pledge their support by donating towards our shortfall in fundraising income, which we have seen as a result of the pandemic.

Swipe through the cards to learn more ➡️ 

Read more at https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/support-us/mind-in-bradford-business-appeal/

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #MindinBradfordBusinessAppeal #Appeal #LocalBusinesses #Support #Fundraising #Donate #COVID19 #Pandemic
2020 might have felt like a year where you were be 2020 might have felt like a year where you were behind, but remember that everyone has their own path to follow.

#ThursdayThoughts #MentalHealth
Have you ever called Guide-Line or visited our saf Have you ever called Guide-Line or visited our safe space, The Sanctuary, for urgent help? Or is this something you've thought about but not done? 

We would really like you to join one of our upcoming Zoom sessions so we can hear your thoughts on how we can help people in the future.

For more information and to book, visit the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Clients #Public #Engagement #Feedback #StrategyDevelopment #GuideLine #SafeSpace
New Year self-improvement and intention-setting do New Year self-improvement and intention-setting doesn't have to be unrealistic and disheartening. 

It can be a positive thing with many benefits for your mental health 💙

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Wellbeing #NewYear #2021
Thinking creatively, keeping active and having pur Thinking creatively, keeping active and having purpose are three really good ways to look after your wellbeing in lockdown.

Why not combine all three by taking up the 2.6 challenge?

You can pick an activity which best suits you as long as it's based around the numbers 26 or 2.6. You could bake 26 cakes, or host 26 quizzes, or eat 26 crackers as fast as you can!

Get as creative as you like while fundraising at the same time. 

Find out more at https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/news/support-us-your-own-way-with-the-2-6-challenge/

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #TwoPointSixChallenge #Fundraise #Active #Creative #Lockdown #Purpose #Wellbeing
Due to yesterday's lockdown announcement, we are u Due to yesterday's lockdown announcement, we are unfortunately no longer able to hold any of our client and public feedback sessions in person.

The three online sessions will still go ahead as planned. We have an unlimited number of spaces, so please do come along!

For more information and to book, visit the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #StrategyDevelopment #Client #Public #Feedback #Engagement #Improvement #Lockdown
As we enter into a national lockdown, we are pleas As we enter into a national lockdown, we are pleased to confirm that our services will remain open and will continue to help people in person, over the phone and on-line. 

We are here for you.

For more about our current service offer, check the link in our bio. 

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