It’s that time of year again. The turkeys are getting ready to go in the oven. You’re packing up your bags and your family to head to a holiday dinner. There’s a chill in the air and you’re not too far from your favorite mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. If you haven’t started already, you’ll be Christmas shopping soon. Then, you’ll be surrounded by wrapping paper and covered in Scotch tape.

It’s holiday season.

Wait, I should have said, “It’s HOLIDAY SEASON! YAY!”

But sometimes, it all feels a little bit overwhelming.

The to-do lists are long, the daylight hours are short, and the anticipatory stress of forced family time is in the near future.

And we’re supposed to fit being “thankful, grateful, and blessed” in there somehow, too.

But developing an attitude of gratitude will help you get through this season of craziness. And I find that starting a gratitude journal is the best way to do this.

Gratitude journals might sound cheesy, but documenting a few good parts of the day can really help shift your mindset.

So here’s how you can implement a practice of gratitude and stay (a little more) sane this holiday season.

How to Start a Gratitude Journal

Choose a Time

Start by finding a time of day that regularly works for you. This doesn’t have to be the first thing you do in the morning. Look for a consistent chunk of time that will fit your schedule. You could use your lunch break or a few minutes right before you go to bed. The time of day doesn’t matter, the consistency and commitment is most important!

Pick a Place

Next, determine what method will work for your preferences. While I am calling this a “gratitude journal,” you don’t have to get an actual journal to do this. You could use a piece of paper, a sticky note or anything you have.

If you’re more of a digital person, use the notes app on your phone! And you can even make a mental list everyday instead. But I highly recommend jotting them down somehow (more on this later).

The method is flexible. Developing the practice of gratitude will be easier if you do what is best for you.

Set a Timer

Now, set a timer on your phone for 2 minutes. You can do more if you'd like, but I know you can commit just 120 seconds each day to be thankful and express your gratitude.

Write Your Gratitudes

Ready, set, write! (or type, for you digital people) These gratitudes can be anything. Yes, anything.

What are some things you're thankful for today? A warm bed, a cup of coffee, a safe drive to work, your job, your family, your house – it can truly be anything.

Try and make these different each day! Get specific. They can feel "superficial" or have a deep meaning. As long as you're thankful, it counts.

Be Consistent

Commit to doing this for ten days. Just ten days! You can do ten days of gratitudes. If you think you'll forget, set a reminder. Set an alert on your phone or put it on the calendar. Put a sticky note somewhere you'll see it often (your computer, the bathroom mirror, anywhere). Do whatever you need to so you can remain consistent.

Take Time to Reflect

The act of writing gratitudes helps to change your attitude. I know it rhymes, but I promise it's true.

At first, finding things to be thankful for might be challenging. But once you exercise that gratitude muscle of yours, it becomes stronger and easier to use.

Spend a few moments at the end of your 10 days to look back at everything you documented. Also, you don't have to stop after 10 days. In fact, I encourage you to keep going. I find this practice to be grounding and it helps me center myself on what matters.

Keep Me Updated

I want to know what you are grateful for this year. Send me a text and share a few things that you’ll be writing in your gratitude journal today. Let’s create this habit together!