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What are some benefits of being grateful?

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 16:17:48 GMT

What are some benefits of being grateful?

Exercising gratitude can be an amazingly simple and beneficial task. However, we live in a society that is always on the move, so taking the time to focus on being grateful can sometimes be overlooked. We often end up feeling so busy that we never even stop to think about how lucky we are to have so much in our lives!

More often than not we complain about what is going wrong and yet many of us never really take the time to stop and see why we should be grateful. Taking the time to stop and do some exercises focusing on gratitude can be beneficial and worth one’s time.

Exercising gratitude can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. This includes giving you more energy and helping to support a healthier sleeping schedule. Having a larger sense of gratitude can increase your overall wellbeing.

Since performing small exercises of gratitude can be so beneficial, we have outlined several exercises that you can do at different times throughout the day. These examples start by going over exercises that are generally practiced in the morning, throughout the day, and lastly before bed. You can decide what exercise and what time works best for you as you try the different options.

Start your day with gratitude : Not everyone is a morning person and getting started on a new day can be tough sometimes. Starting your day by focusing on gratitude may help put you in a good mood.

An example of how to put yourself in a gratitude mindset is by thinking of three to five items that you are grateful for from the previous day. If you get stuck, you can always think of something that you are grateful for in general, such as your favorite season. This exercise can be done as you lay in bed, or over your morning cup of coffee. It will soon become a simple addition to your morning routine and may give you something to look forward to every morning when you wake up, and every night when you get ready to go to sleep.

Start a gratitude jar : This is an easy exercise that takes only a jar and some pieces of paper. First, find a jar of any size. Take a small piece of paper and write down something brief that makes you feel grateful. Reflect on what you wrote down, and then put the piece of paper into the jar. Your jar will begin to fill up. Anytime that you are feeling sad, you can take some of the papers out of the jar and reflect on what makes you grateful.

Find a gratitude rock: To do this you first must find a smaller rock. Place the rock somewhere that you will see it such as a desk or nightstand. The rock is meant to be a physical reminder for you to stop and take a moment to focus on your gratitude.

Throughout the day look at the rock and reflect on something that makes you grateful . If you are traveling or even running errands, carry the rock around with you in your pocket. Pull it out from time to time and take a moment to reflect on your gratitude. Keeping the rock around you will help to remind you to always take a moment to be grateful for what you have no matter where you are in life.

Avoid being negative : We all feel the need at times to be negative. Though this release can be helpful now and then, ultimately negativity results in distracting us from focusing on the various tasks. Negativity not only slows us down, but it can worsen our mood as it causes us to focus on the negative rather than positives.

Be less negative in smaller steps. Strive to go one full day without any negativity. Try in one month, for a total of four days, no negativity. The following month try to go three days a week without negativity. Do that for a full month for a total of twelve days with no negativity. The next month take one week out and strive not to be negative at all during that week. Do this twice for a total of fourteen days with no negativity that month. The more that you do this the more that you will begin to shift your mindset and train your brain to not be negative. This may result in you having more time to focus on positives rather than negatives, such as what makes you grateful. Take the time you use on being negative and use it instead to focus on gratitude.

Set a gratitude alarm : Set an alarm for a random time after you are done with work for the day. When the alarm goes off, turn it off and then pause. Think of something that you are grateful for from that day. Reflect on how that made you feel and affected your day. This is a great exercise to use during the evening or early night, while you are winding down.

Four end of day questions: At the end of every day as you are getting ready for bed there are four questions that you can ask yourself to reflect on your day and focus on gratitude.

What touched me spiritually today?

Who or what inspired me today?

Who made me smile today?

What is the best situation that happened today?

Asking these questions and reflecting on the answers may put you in a super mood as you drift off into sleep.

There is no right or wrong time for you to do an exercise in gratitude. You should find both an exercise and a time that works well with your daily schedule. If you want to do one a certain day of the week and another on a different day then do so. Usually, they do not take much time but doing a daily gratitude exercise may be greatly beneficial for your overall mindset as well as your levels of productivity.

If you have any comments please feel free to contact us by phone at 724-846-1160 or by email at campbellfuneralhomes@hotmail.com

For more information about our services, please visit www.campbellfuneralhomes.com

Why have cemeteries become a popular place to visit during the pandemic?

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 16:20:50 GMT

Why have cemeteries become a popular place to visit during the pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all our lives in many ways these last few months. From not being able to go to work, go to public events or even go out to dinner we have all had to adapt. Everyone has responded to the pandemic differently, but for most of us the big question (besides how to stay healthy and safe) has been, “what can I do for fun now?”

With movie theaters, sporting events, bars, arcades, malls, and many other places of leisure closed, we have all had to get creative to stay busy.

This is where cemeteries come to mind. Cemeteries are so much more than a place where we bury the dead. They are not the dark and dreary locations that we sometimes perceive them to be so there are several ways that you can enjoy a visit to a local cemetery.

Most people would not think of a cemetery as their first choice when trying to find somewhere to go. During this pandemic however, cemetery traffic has greatly increased! Why has traffic to cemeteries increased during the pandemic? There are several answers to this question, and we will highlight them below. As you read through this list, think of the quote by Pericles...“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others”.

People are going to cemeteries to exercise . With gyms and parks closed, staying active has become a challenge during the pandemic. This has brought up the question of where can I go to exercise? Using equipment at home or walking around your neighborhood can become boring. To stay active many people have taken to visiting cemeteries. Walking, jogging, and bike riding have all been extremely popular activities recently. Flat paved paths, well-groomed grass and relatively private areas are all features of most cemeteries. Features like these, as well as others, have led many active people to turn to cemeteries as a place to get some exercise.

Walking your dog . People are not the only ones who want to find a way to stay active. Being cooped up inside all day is especially hard for most dogs. If you live in a large city you might not have a neighborhood to walk your dog, and with dog parks being closed it has been especially tough to find a place to take your dog. Cemeteries have become a popular destination for dog owners, for the same reason that people are going there to exercise. Please check though, to make sure your local cemetery does not prohibit pets. Always remember to be respectful of the cemetery and its visitors as you walk your dog.

The hidden history at local cemeteries . Many local cemeteries are a treasure trove of local history. Whether it’s a local businessperson’s grave, a statue carved by a famous artist, or the site of where a movie was filmed, there is a lot of history that can be found at a cemetery. With people having more free time on their hands during the pandemic, some people have decided to study their genealogy and trace their roots. What better place to do that than a cemetery where you can visit the graves of your ancestors? You can find entire families in a short time as you work your way through hundreds of years’ worth of lives and history. The names, and dates on the monuments are a way for you to connect with those that were born before you.

A cemetery can be an outdoor art museum . Cemeteries might not house art by Da Vinci, Van Gogh or Salvador Dali, but that does not mean there is not artwork to be found. Cemeteries are often filled with different and unique works of art that you would not find in a museum. There are statues, stained glass windows and monuments that are absolute works of art. Each of these tell a story much like any painting or sculpture would do.

A quit place of reflection. Sometimes we all just need a quiet place to stop and think. Cemeteries are a great place for this, as they are usually very peaceful and quiet. With paths to walk on, grass to lay on and often benches to sit, you can find many different areas where you are able to just be outside and reflect. Cemeteries are a great place to think about what life has to offer. Being surrounded by those that have been born before us allows you to think about what type of legacy you want to leave behind. This type of reflection can allow you to set up goals and choose a path that will allow you to achieve your dreams.

A place to say goodbye . Sadly, one of the many changes due to the pandemic is the rule of no large gatherings. Though funeral services are still being held, like everything else, they have had to add restrictions. This has made it hard for some families to have the kind of services that they wanted for their loved one. People have had to pick and choose who gets to attend the services, and sadly some have been left out. As a way to adapt to the smaller service sizes and restrictions, many people have chosen to visit their loved one’s gravesites individually or in small groups shortly after their loved one’s death. This is a way they can take one on one time that they wanted to pay their respects and be restriction free.

These are just several of the most popular reasons why people have been more inclined to visit cemeteries during this pandemic. Cemeteries are remarkably interesting when you take the time and opportunity to truly visit them. The next time you are trying to think of something to do, perhaps consider visiting your local cemetery, not only can you get exercise, but you might even get a lesson in history or see beautifully crafted artwork.

If you have any comments please feel free to contact us by phone at 724-846-1160 or by email at campbellfuneralhomes@hotmail.com.

How to Help a Friend Through the Grieving Process

Tue, 30 May 2017 16:25:28 GMT

How to Help a Friend Through the Grieving Process

When a friend is experiencing the loss of a family member or loved one, it’s only natural to want to try and help them. Because of the emotional complexity many people find themselves unsure of what to say.

While there’s no one perfect way to offer support and encouragement for your friend, there are a few ground rules which may help you be the best support you can:

Understand that your role in this process is to support your friend, not to give them unsolicited advice.
It’s important to allow your friend to grieve and not to insert your assumptions or opinions about how they should handle their grief, or how they should be reacting to their loss. Unless your friend is engaging in dangerous behavior, like abusing drugs or alcohol, then do your best to simply be there for them.
You don’t know what the future will hold, and making statements about what the future will bring is unhelpful during a time of overwhelming emotional distress. Instead, focus on the present moment. Try to keep them occupied; centered on a task or activity if possible, and let them know that you care about them, that you understand that they are in pain and that you are here for them.
Don't say, “Call me if you need anything” to your friend; it is a moot point because most people aren’t inclined to reach out and admit that they are suffering. Not because they don’t want your help, but because dealing with emotional situations can seem overwhelmingly difficult.
Take the time to plan how you will help and initiate time together with your friend. Say “I’ll be by on Tuesday at 5:00 pm to go to the park with you and Rover” or “I’ll be by on Sunday at 6:00 pm with dinner”… and be sure to follow through.
Take on projects together. This can range from going with your friend to offer support during emotional tasks such as packing and sorting rooms in the deceased’s home; to finding tasks you can do together that requires both of your attention, such as gardening, or painting a room. By being present during the difficult tasks, and providing your friend with opportunities to do tasks that may help distract from their grief and you can help them through this difficult time. There are plenty of things to do together; you may just have to get a little creative.

Make sure to show up, express your love for your friend, and be an active presence in their life during this difficult time. Understand that while you can’t cure the sorrow in their life, you can help them as they begin to heal. Helping a friend navigate the emotional times that often come with losing someone we love can be difficult, but by being present and being a support, you can help them heal during this period in their lives. Feel free to call us at Campbell Family Funeral Homes if you have any questions.

How Does a Celebration of Life Differ from a Funeral?

Sat, 30 Apr 2016 16:26:39 GMT

How Does a Celebration of Life Differ from a Funeral?

When people think about death, dying, and the grieving process, generally they find themselves thinking about funerals. A funeral, as many people know, is a service where the friends, family, and loved ones of a deceased individual can gather to mourn the passing and to grieve together.

Traditionally funerals are somber affairs, but in the last couple of decades, a different kind of service has emerged; that of the celebration of life. This kind of service is quite different from traditional services. They are dedicated to celebrating the time that the deceased person was alive, and reflecting on the memories and experiences they shared with the people in their lives.

How does a celebration of life differ from a funeral?

Funerals, as many people know, are sad, somber events. Conversely, a celebration of life is dedicated to remembering the positive memories and feelings associated with that person. Many people are starting to choose celebrations of life for this purpose.

Traditional funerals have a standard structure, usually combining religious and spiritual elements for a service at a funeral home or place of worship. There, attendees take turns speaking and sharing stories in front of a crowd in a structured and orderly fashion.

Celebrations of life are much less formal, and usually involve loved ones, family members and friends gathering to look at photos, share stories, and mingle in an informal setting. The informal structure and focus on positive memories is what leads many people to choose this option.

In the end, it’s up to you and your loved ones to choose how best to honor a loved one and that will depend on a variety of factors including personal and religious beliefs. There’s no “right” way to reflect on the time you shared; it’s all up to you. Call Campbell Family Funeral Homes to help you with choices and decision making.

Benefits of Planning Your Own Funeral

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 16:28:14 GMT

Benefits of Planning Your Own Funeral

Thinking about death is a terrifying prospect to many people. Taking the time to plan and prepare your funeral services is a responsible decision that can provide both you and your loved ones with peace of mind.

Preplanning your funeral has a variety of benefits beyond peace of mind, such as personalization and costs.

Below are a few benefits of preplanning your funeral, and why it’s something you should consider:

Planning your funeral services are just as important as many other steps that people take, including estate planning and writing a will. These kinds of preparations are best completed while you are in a healthy state of mind. This way you will be able to make rational decisions regarding how you want to be remembered and it saves your family the emotional burden of doing it for you.
As many people know, planning a funeral can be an overwhelming event. Many times people are too busy dealing with their own feelings of grief and loss to make decisions, and making the arrangements yourself means that your family never has to worry about whether or not they are honoring you in a way that you would have wanted.
Unless you have explicitly expressed that you would prefer a traditional funeral over a celebration of life, there’s no way to know for sure that your wishes will be carried out. Preplanning ensures that the personal touches you want for your services are carried out.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is removing the burden of planning and paying for your funeral when the time comes. For more information about funeral planning contact Campbell Family Funeral Homes today.

875482-campbell-funeral-homes

What are some benefits of being grateful?

What are some benefits of being grateful?

Why have cemeteries become a popular place to visit during the pandemic?

Why have cemeteries become a popular place to visit during the pandemic?

How to Help a Friend Through the Grieving Process

How to Help a Friend Through the Grieving Process ﻿

How Does a Celebration of Life Differ from a Funeral?

How Does a Celebration of Life Differ from a Funeral? ﻿

Benefits of Planning Your Own Funeral

Benefits of Planning Your Own Funeral

How to Help a Friend Through the Grieving Process

How Does a Celebration of Life Differ from a Funeral?