The Art of Gratitude: How Nurses Find Beauty in the Tension of the Holiday Season

The holidays, for me, and I know so many others, are a mix of beauty, overwhelm,  joy, and grief. I both love this season and dread it. This November, I've had the opportunity to spend time in Northern California, where the fall foliage is jaw-droppingly vibrant. In the midst of this holiday tension, the cool weather and breathtaking beauty have added a dynamic of deep gratitude as I walk through it all. With each inhale, I feel a sense of healing—of renewal—that grounds me in the present moment.

These walks have reminded me how gratitude often begins with paying attention: noticing the beauty around us, the support of others, or even the small victories of the day. This season has been a powerful invitation for me to pause, breathe, and appreciate the gift of life, work, and connection.

As nurses, we dedicate ourselves to others, often at the expense of our own well-being. Amid the stress and pace of our roles, it can be easy to lose sight of the small, meaningful moments that make our work rewarding. However, science reminds us that practicing gratitude isn't just a feel-good exercise—it's a profound tool for transforming our mental, spiritual, and physical health.

Gratitude can reduce stress, enhance relationships, and even improve sleep and immune function. Research shows that gratitude activates the brain's reward system, increasing the release of dopamine and serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitters. Over time, gratitude practices can rewire the brain to focus more on the positive aspects of life, helping us build resilience and joy even during challenging times (Greater Good Science Center, 2017).

For nurses, gratitude isn't just a personal benefit. Fostering a culture of empathy and positivity improves team dynamics, boosts morale, and enhances patient care (Mayo Clinic Health System, 2021).

Starting a gratitude practice doesn't require a significant time commitment—just a shift in focus. Here are three practical ways to integrate gratitude into your daily routine at work and home:

The Gratitude Pause (Work)

Before entering a patient's room or starting a new task, pause to reflect on something positive:

• A colleague's help.

• A moment of connection with a patient.

• The opportunity to make a difference.

• The gift of beauty like fall foliage or a delicious holiday dessert.

Pro Tip: Pair this practice with deep breathing to center yourself and set a positive intention for the next task.

Gratitude Journaling (Home)

At the end of each day, jot down three things you're grateful for. These could range from a kind word from a coworker to a peaceful moment on your drive home.

Pro Tip: Keep your journal by your bedside and make this a calming bedtime ritual.

Expressing Thanks (Work or Home)

Take a moment to share your appreciation with someone—a thank-you note for a colleague who went above and beyond or a kind word to a family member who supports you.

Pro Tip: To set a positive tone, consider starting meetings with a quick round of gratitude sharing for teams.

So, as we enter Thanksgiving week, we at CODE YOU invite you to choose one of these practices and commit to it daily. Over time, you'll likely notice a shift in how you feel and how you approach your work, your relationships, and yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! We are grateful for you and the work you do for our community.

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References

Greater Good Science Center. (2017, June 6). How gratitude changes you and your brain. University of California, Berkeley. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain

Mayo Clinic Health System. (2021, November 17). Can expressing gratitude improve your health? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-expressing-gratitude-improve-health

National Institutes of Health. (2019, March). Practicing gratitude. News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2019/03/practicing-gratitude

American Nurses Association. (2023, September). Gratitude practice to decrease stress. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 28(3). https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-28-2023/number-3-september-2023/articles-on-previously-published-topics/gratitude-practice-to-decrease-stress/