Gratitude is the practice of being thankful or appreciative for what is. It’s called a practice because the best way to incorporate gratitude is by doing so consistently. It’s easy to remember to give thanks during a season that is literally named for the task — Thanksgiving — but read on for ways to practice gratitude all year long.
One important thing to note about gratitude is that it has to be authentic, something believable. The thing that you’re grateful for must be something that you can buy into, something truly meaningful to you. Don’t try to be thankful for everything, and don’t force it. If you’re feeling like Alexander and having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, this might not be a day to practice gratitude. We’ll get more into what this looks like shortly.
Read More: How to Let Go of Control: Tips From a Local Therapist
Practicing gratitude helps people to slow down and pay attention to the aspects of their lives for which they are truly appreciative. If you’re not paying attention to the things happening around you, it’s going to be awfully difficult to be thankful for these things.
Gratitude not only improves a person’s attitude and outlook on life, but there are various other benefits as well. Researchers have been studying the effects of gratitude for years, and they’ve found that practicing gratitude can lead to decreased aches and pains (Psychology Today), increased exercise (Harvard.edu), boost the immune system (Healthline), reduce risks associated with heart failure (Healthline), increase quality of sleep (Psychology Today), and decrease need for doctors visits (Harvard).
Those who practice gratitude have also shown improvements in the quality of their relationships. One Harvard study found that individuals who took time to express gratitude for their partner not only felt more positive toward the other person but also felt more comfortable practicing honest communication in their relationship (Harvard.edu).
With all of this in mind, let’s get into how to start practicing gratitude. Here are some tips to get started:
- Consistency is important, hence the “practice.” Start by trying to practice at least two to three times a week, if not every day.
- There’s no need to overcomplicate it. Incorporate practicing gratitude into part of your existing daily routine. Maybe during a morning cup of coffee, or while brushing your teeth, or even at night while doing your skincare routine.
- If you’re using a gratitude journal, keep it in sight, or set an alarm to help you build this new habit.
- Thinking about why you’re grateful for something tends to be more powerful. How did this make you feel? What about this moment stood out to you? Try to paint the full picture.
- Give yourself time to truly reflect. Don’t rush it, allow the practice to take 10-15 minutes.
- And, if you’re just not feeling it, that’s okay! Don’t force something just for the sake of it. It’s important to be authentic and real.
- Have fun! Express gratitude through creating, listening, and moving. HG pro tip: Every year during the fall season, create a “gratitude pumpkin” and write 1 thing that you’re thankful for each day on it.
See More: Neutralizing Negative Thoughts — Body Image Edition From a Local Therapist
Remember, this is a new practice and will come with some challenges. Be thankful for choosing the short line at the grocery store, someone holding the door for you on your way into the office, or even just for stretchy pants. If nothing else, start by slowing down and trying to pay attention on purpose. You just might find that this practice alone helps you to practice gratitude.
We Asked Port Authority, + Apparently Hoboken’s PATH Station is Scheduled To Reopen On Time
Commuters, rejoice (allegedly); The deadline for the Hoboken PATH Station is fast approaching. Some rumors circulated online there may be a delay, but a representative from the Port Authority confirmed with The Hoboken Girl the station is still (allegedly) slated to open on time on February 25th, 2025. Some of the work being done includes improvements to both track and ride safety. It’s all part of the agency’s two-year PATH Forward program. Here’s what we know so far about the construction progress on the Hoboken PATH Station.
PATH Forward
The PATH Forward Program is a $430 million dollar program to upgrade the 117-year-old PATH system. It’s a series of projects to improve PATH Stations throughout Jersey City and Hoboken. It includes comprehensive track repair and replacement, modernization of bridges, railcars and other critical infrastructure, and rehabilitation of Hoboken, Grove Street, Newport, and Exchange Place.
Read More: What’s Going on With the NYC Congestion Pricing Plan?
“The PATH system is a lifeline for thousands of commuters, and we understand the significant impact this closure will have on Hoboken riders. This critical work is necessary to ensure the PATH system remains safe and reliable for years to come,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
The project is slated to finish in early 2026. The overall goal is to enhance system resilience and efficiency, which will hopefully reduce delays and ensure a smoother ride for thousands of commuters.
The Hoboken PATH Closure
A quick refresh. Back in October of 2024, Port Authority announced the Hoboken PATH Station would close for a month on January 30th, 2025. A representative from Port Authority told HG the station is still scheduled to reopen at 5AM on Tuesday, February 25th. Since the station shut down at the end of January, commuters have been using alternate methods of transportation, like shuttle buses to other PATH stations, NJ Transit bus services, and and expanded ferry service.
"We look forward to the PATH reopening on schedule on Feb. 25 and we thank PATH, NJ Transit, and NY Waterway for working closely with the City to help mitigate the impacts of the PATH closure," Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla shared with HG. "While we recognize this was inconvenient for our residents, PATH's investments will enhance service and provide much-needed updates to the station."
The goal of the complete Hoboken PATH closure is to expedite those station upgrades in a shorter time frame. The work includes replacing the in-station track and the track switching network outside the station. Plus, construction is working on repairing over 4,500 feet of track leading to the station. It will also include making the station look nice, with four new stairways leading to the platform levels and a new concrete platform surface. More details about the new construction can be found online.
“The complexity of this—what we call the interlocking—is a really complex mechanical-electrical device that is so important,” said Port Authority Chief Operating Officer Jim Heitmann during a board meeting on February 13th. “To have a brand new one, and put [in] that kind of reliability, is just a really great example of what the outcome of this is going to be.”
See More: 11 Amtrak Train Trips via Newark Under 4 Hours
Normally, this kind of work would last for a prolonged period with severe schedule reductions and service suspensions. The Port Authority said this month-long closure prevented a full year of weekend service reductions which would otherwise be required to complete all the station upgrades.
The Hoboken Girl will continue to provide updates as the reopening date gets closer. Be sure to follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest information.
