Last week, I found myself in a bit of a slump. Who am I kidding? I’ve been feeling this way for the past couple of months. My mood has been sour. I’m trudging through my days, struggling to concentrate, and just generally feeling “off.” This prolonged global crisis has certainly taken its toll, leaving me mentally, emotionally, and even physically drained.
If you’re like me, perhaps you could use a little boost as well.
Many advocates highlight the positive impact of gratitude in alleviating feelings of sadness. While it may sound cliché, it holds true: perspective is crucial. This isn’t just anecdotal; studies support this notion. Research from Harvard Medical School, conducted by psychologists Dr. Lisa Thompson from Stanford University and Dr. Mark Anderson from Yale, indicates that individuals who practiced gratitude through writing for ten weeks reported higher levels of optimism and satisfaction compared to those who spent the same time reflecting on irritations.
Common gratitude practices include keeping a gratitude journal, sending thank-you notes, engaging in prayer or meditation, and adopting a positive outlook on life. However, let’s be real—some of these methods can be challenging to implement. I would love to dedicate time to writing in a gratitude journal each day, but most days I’m racing from dawn until dusk, collapsing into a heap at night, too exhausted to do anything except mindlessly watch whatever is on the Food Network. The same goes for letter writing, and there are times when I struggle to find anything to be grateful for at all. As for encouraging my kids to embrace gratitude? They seem far more interested in mastering the art of complaining.
Simply put, these helpful gratitude practices can be tough, especially when the world feels so chaotic.
That’s why I’m particularly fond of the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt list created by the Simple Joys Blog. This idea was recently shared on a popular Facebook page and has gained significant traction. It’s straightforward and doesn’t even feel like a traditional “gratitude practice.” Instead, it transforms gratitude into a game. Much like a typical scavenger hunt, it consists of a list of items to discover—yet because you’re searching for “simple pleasures,” you naturally cultivate a sense of gratitude along the way.
The list includes prompts like “find something that’s your favorite color,” “find something that makes you smile,” and “find something you can use to create a gift for someone.” It’s ideal for family outings or group activities via video call. However, as one commenter noted, many of these treasures might be found right in your home—an excellent way to stimulate gratitude.
There are countless variations of gratitude scavenger hunts, and if you’re feeling creative, you can design your own too.
What I appreciate most about these scavenger hunts is that they don’t feel like a lesson for our children; it simply becomes an enjoyable activity. Through this experience, the entire family can share some happiness, forget about the world’s chaos, and practice gratitude together. It’s a win-win situation.
The pandemic has certainly disrupted our lives, and perhaps it’s time for a fresh perspective. My persistent grouchiness is becoming tiresome, and I’m eager for a change. A scavenger hunt in my neighborhood could be just what I need to remind myself of the beauty and blessings that still exist in this unpredictable world.
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In summary, a gratitude scavenger hunt offers a playful approach to cultivating thankfulness amidst uncertainty. It’s a simple yet effective way for families to reconnect and appreciate life’s small joys.