Gratitude is the positive emotion of being thankful. It’s about focusing on the good in our lives and appreciating the things we have. It helps us refocus on what we have instead of what we perceive ourselves to be lacking.
We feel and express gratitude in several ways. One way is retrieving positive memories from our childhood. Or looking at the present, being grateful for the people and things around us today. We can even express gratitude for the future, maintaining a hopeful and optimistic attitude.
I’m grateful for my family, my home, and the peace that fills my life. I’m grateful to my editor, cover design, beta readers, and ARC readers. Without them, I couldn’t have come this far in my author career. And I have heart-felt gratitude for my readers, who take precious time out of their day to read my blogs, newsletters, and books.
Science has proven gratitude is a kind of superpower. I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of having a superpower! Practicing gratitude has powerful positive physical and mental effects.
Gratitude builds resilience.
Focusing on the good in our lives is a powerful tool to get us through challenging or anxious times. Celebrating the sources of that good gives us the optimism and hope needed to overcome difficult situations.
Gratitude can change our brain.
Mental health experts associate gratitude with a host of psychological benefits. Studies show being thankful can improve relationships, ease depression, and ease toxic emotions.
Gratitude can improve our decision making.
We all know making decisions can be daunting. Research suggests that taking a moment to thank yourself before making a choice profoundly improves our decision making since it allows our brain to take in more information rather than obsessing over minor details.
Gratitude helps us relax.
Gratitude and positive emotion are among the strongest relaxants known to man. It brings a greater sense of emotional well-being and overall life satisfaction. Because we are happier, we sleep better, we eat better, and tend to be healthier people.
How can we practice and build a habit of gratitude?
- Pay attention to the little things in life. A child’s laugh, a beautiful day, or birds singing in the trees.
- Tell someone you’re grateful for them or for something they did, even if it was a long time ago.
- Meditate on the positive aspects of your life.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Make a habit of jotting down thoughts of gratitude throughout the day.
Whether we choose to take a few moments to reflect on something we’re grateful for before heading out the door every morning or end our day by jotting down a few things we are thankful for in a journal, incorporating gratitude into our life can help lead to a happier, healthier and more successful version of ourselves.
References:
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-gratitude-for-stress-relief-3144867
https://www.wellright.com/blog/5-wellness-benefits-of-gratitude
