It is the perfect time of year to pause and reflect on how giving thanks鈥攇ratitude鈥攃an strengthen our well-being and sense of connection.
Appreciate the Good and the Good Appreciates
Research shows that pausing to recognize the good around us, through reflection, recognition, or small acts of kindness, can ease stress, lift our mood, and nurture a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness (Ben-Shahar, 2007; Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).
Thank a colleague, acknowledge a , or take a quiet moment to appreciate your own successes. Gratitude and happiness are habits we can build; each act of appreciation helps us focus on what鈥檚 working, rather than what鈥檚 missing (Ben-Shahar, 2007). When we combine gratitude with moments of flow, the state of being fully engaged in meaningful activity (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990), we renew our sense of purpose and energy in both work and life. Psst鈥ass it on!
Gratitude Playbook
Two simple, yet impactful, ways to reflect and reconnect:
- Keep a Gratitude Journal with 鈥淭hree Good Things鈥� Each Day
At the end of each day, write down three things that went well and why. Even small moments, such as a great conversation, an interactive class session, or time outdoors, can help reframe your perspective and increase well-being. - Write a Gratitude Letter
Write a short note to someone: a mentor, teacher, colleague, student, or friend, who made a difference. Describe what they did and why it mattered. If possible, share it with them in person or snail mail it. Your recipient will be more grateful than you know.
And, don鈥檛 forget to check out 天美传媒鈥檚 Mindfulness Center!
References
- Ben-Shahar, T. (2007). Happier: Learn the secrets to daily joy and lasting fulfillment. McGraw-Hill.
- Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, August 14). Giving thanks can make you happier.
- Tedx Talks. (2014, September 12). TEDxNorrk枚ping – Carol S. Dweck – The power of yet [Video]. YouTube.
Teaching with Gratitude
We asked faculty, 鈥淲丑补迟鈥�about teaching at Adelphi鈥�are you grateful for?” Here are some replies鈥�
At Adelphi, I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with our students who are making a difference in the world. Teaching in-service teachers, instructional designers, and learning scientists is wonderful as they bring a wealth of practical experience and challenges to bear, deepening the impact of our intellectual work together.
Suraj Uttamchandani
Assistant Professor & Director, Learning Sciences, Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences
I will not be teaching classes next semester, and this has made me appreciate that being an adjunct at Adelphi gives me profound meaning and so much joy. Watching students, especially those struggling with the course content or balancing jobs and studies, succeed is so fulfilling!
Sigrun Kahl
Adjunct Professor, Political Science, College of Arts and Science
Working here at Adelphi reminds me that I鈥檓 never alone in my role as Chair and Professor of CSD. The sense of solidarity and the caring support of the FCPE make even the toughest challenges feel manageable.
Hariklia Proios
Professor and Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences
Learning with Gratitude
We asked students, 鈥淲丑补迟 kind of teaching at Adelphi are you grateful for?” They said鈥�
…there are a lot of opportunities that come your way that involve thinking practically and applying that knowledge to help patients.
Ritika
Graduate Student, Exercise Science
I am grateful for the opportunity of assignment autonomy鈥攖he freedom to choose both the format and content of major projects, such as producing a video essay instead of writing a traditional paper. In having this choice, I find that my creativity and self-expression soar, which in turn significantly increases my confidence as a student. I am extremely grateful for every Adelphi professor who has offered me a choice, whether big or small, in the kind of assignment I ultimately produce.
Samantha
Graduate Student, Educational Technology
With gratitude, the Faculty Center for Professional Excellence (FCPE) wishes our faculty, and the entire 天美传媒 Community, a safe, healthy, and most joyful time spent with family and friends.