Why Gratitude is the Best Attitude?
“Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical
benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood
and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with
chronic pain and risk of disease. If a pill that could do this, everyone would
be taking it.” Mayo Clinic Health
What are some Benefits of
Practicing Gratitude?
- Improves self-esteem
- Improves energy and health
- It makes us happier and more optimistic
- More resilient and deal with adversity better
- Are more generous and forgiving
- Be happier and notice the present moment more
- Lower stress, anxiety and thoughts
How can I Practice Gratitude?
Gratitude is a skill that
will be attained with repetition. Here are some ways to
practice gratitude so you can incorporate it in everyday life:
- Invest in a
Gratitude Journal. A gratitude journal has been proven to
activate brain areas that are related to positive emotions. People who
could find purpose and feel grateful show higher resilience
during challenging situations. Reading your own words of gratefulness
can help you feel better when you are having a bad day. We are
offering a custom curated Gratitude Journal!
- Make it
a habit to say three things you are grateful for every morning. A
friend of mine puts their car keys under the bed so they start the
day on their knees in prayer. Another has an inspirational quote on
her mirror that she reads out loud as she gets ready for the
day. This will positively impact your mood throughout the day.
- Express gratitude
to others. Of course we say the magic words; “please” and
“thank you” to just about everybody but how often do we take the
time to express gratitude more meaningfully? Choose to make eye
contact and smile, give an extra long hug, write a personal note about how
much you appreciate someone in your life or even take over a household
chore for a week (emptying the dishwasher is a BIG one in our
household). Pick just one person a week and see how your mood and theirs
will change.
Helping others helps you get out of your own head.
Focus your attention on the feelings and needs of others and feel your
anxiety and depression decrease. Lots of people have said that helping
others is actually a selfish deed because it’s such a good way of helping
yourself. We know this on an intuitive level, and studies also show it to be
true.
