11/08/2025
Thanksgiving invites us to practice gratitude, but when stress, anxiety, or family tension spikes, finding that feeling can feel impossible. That's because we often wait until we are overwhelmed to try and feel grateful.
Here's the secret: Gratitude is one of the most powerful grounding skills you have.
Grounding is about pulling yourself out of overwhelming thoughts and anchoring yourself firmly in the present moment. By focusing your attention on something real and positive, you give your emotional brain a break and reconnect with your rational mind.
Try this simple Gratitude Grounding practice:
Notice 5 Things: Stop whatever you are doing and notice 5 non-obvious things you are genuinely grateful for right now (e.g., the comfort of a chair, the taste of your coffee, the sunlight on the window).
Focus the Feeling: Don't just list them; mentally (or physically) feel the emotion that gratitude creates—a sense of warmth, calm, or stability.
Repeat as Needed: Use this as your quick anchor when the conversation gets tense, the to-do list seems too long, or you feel your anxiety rising.
This Thanksgiving, let gratitude be your quiet resilience, not just a dinner table theme.
Ready to find your anchor in moments of stress? We can help you build your toolkit of grounding skills. Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation.