November is often filled with reminders to “be grateful”. Why? Because practicing gratitude improves our overall well-being—whether you keep a gratitude journal, express gratitude either verbally or in writing, or simply think of things that make you feel thankful. Gratitude helps shift your mindset towards what’s positive rather than focusing on unhappiness, anger or hurt.  [1]    But for many people, feeling grateful can feel out of reach. “Be grateful” can feel hollow instead of comforting.

Gratitude Requires a Regulated Nervous System

There are many reasons why it can be difficult to shift towards a mindset of gratitude. One universal factor is being stuck in survival mode. This can happen when you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or recently experienced a trauma—or from prolonged stress, such as managing a chronic illness.

When your under chronic stress or experience acute stress, the part of your brain that focuses on positive things or recalls positive experiences goes offline. When the amygdala is activated, the brain prioritizes protection, not perspective. Until your nervous system feels safe again, higher-order functions like appreciation and reflection remain out of reach. This is why calm must come before coping —and regulation before reasoning. 

The Role of Bilateral Stimulation in Finding Calm

Bilateral stimulation has been proven to help calm sympathetic activation in real time. Natural bilateral stimulation—like walking or riding a bike— can help you regulate your emotions and promote a sense of calm.

For moments when movement isn’t possible, you can hold or wear the tappers. Bi-Tapp provides gentle, alternating tapping to help you regulated effortlessly. As the parasympathetic nervous system activates, your nervous system registers safety and you are able to return to your baseline. Once calm is restored, feelings like appreciation, connection, and compassion can naturally emerge.

Practical Ways to Stay Grounded This Month

• Wear your tappers when you feel overwhelmed or anxious. If that feeling is chronic, wear your tappers even more—they provide built in regulation. As you feel calmer, you’ll be better able to use other coping strategies that support you.
• Know your limits. It is okay to set boundaries—on your time, commitments, or energy.. If you choose to attend an event, give yourself permission to take as many breaks as you need to stay regulated.
• Honor where you are. If gratitude feels out of reach right now, that’s okay. Focus on regulation first, even if that simply means holding or wearing the tappers. Even a small shift toward calm can help.

Grounded Gratitude

True gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is okay—it’s about being grounded enough to notice what is.

Bi-Tapp helps you return to that place of steadiness, one gentle tap at a time.

This season, give yourself permission to regulate first—so you can experience gratitude that feels real.

Explore how Bi-Tapp can help you stay grounded—anytime, anywhere. Learn more about how Bi-Tapp supports nervous system regulation at bi-tapp.com.