Being grateful during a pandemic might sound like a challenge. But now more than ever, finding something to be thankful about – no matter how small – can make a difference to your physical and mental health.
Joel Wong, Professor of Counseling and Psychology at the IU School of Education, has done extensive work on gratitude as part of his research. He says gratitude trains our minds to focus on all that is good in our lives – especially during a time of crisis. By being grateful for small things we may take for granted, something he calls microgratitude, we can raise our spirits, even if only for a moment.
Wong was featured on an episode of the IU School of Media’s podcast On Topic with IU (stream below) detailing how he stays grateful and how parents can work with their children to cultivate gratitude.