Gratitude is very important for self-care. It brings attention to the good things in your life. It emphasizes that there is good in with the bad, and there is a lot of good when you take the time to look for it. National Institutes of Health (NIH) research studies support this concept.
This easy art project is a meditation that helps you focus on what is good in your life – what you are thankful for. Counting on your fingers (literally), name five things you are grateful for. Can you count even higher? Practice gratitude with us today.
Materials:
- Paper (white or newsprint, magazine page, wrapping paper, cardstock or whatever you have on hand – get creative!)
- Pen or pencil (you can also use colored pencils or markers, paint or glue and glitter – whatever makes you happy)
- May need glue and scissors if you are going to cut out your hand
3 Easy Steps:
- Trace your hand with a pen or pencil on your choice of paper. If you use newsprint, wrapping paper, magazine page, etc., you will want to cut out the hand and glue it on a sheet of plain (or colored) paper or cardstock. At the top write, “I’m thankful for…”
2. Write something you are thankful for on or next to each finger. (See example below.)
3. Decorate the page and the hand while thinking about those things. Add in additional things you are grateful for as you go along. The more you do it, the more thankfulness you will feel. (See examples below.)
More ways to care for yourself – and others:
- How You Can Improve Community Health
- The Health Benefits of Volunteering
- A Guide to Self-Care for Caregivers
- How Exercise Can Boost Your Mood
- Do You Listen to Your Body?
