Gratitude

Gratitude: The Fundamental Habit

Gratitude is an emotion and a practice that is a fundamental key to being happy. In today’s world there is constant pressure and stress to pursue and acquire more and more with the idea that this will make our lives successful. Gratitude helps us to focus on not what we want, but what we already have. It teaches us to reflect inward and develop an appreciation for what we value and brings meaning to our life. Gratitude is a positive feeling that has both physical, emotional and psychological benefits. It can help our mental health by reducing depression and anxiety. Expressing gratitude forges stronger social bonds and improves resilience while building better connections and relationships.

Physically gratitude has been shown to help improve sleep and immunity, reduce pain and increase cardiovascular well-being. In many ways gratitude connects us to ourselves and others. It is a celebration of goodness.

Back to Basics: Gratitude is Appreciation

Gratitude is not a cure but a way for individuals to enrich their days and participate fully in their lives. In expressing and receiving gratitude we begin to notice more the positives and take less for granted. In addition, there is a link between gratitude and an increase in creativity and better decision making skills and a decrease in hostility, anger and overall sadness.

Modern life is so fast paced that we often take no time to just be still, to stop for a moment and think about all the good in our lives and in those around us. Gratitude helps us to focus on becoming active participants, rather than spectators, in our daily activities and therefore feel more alive.

Daily Planning for Gratitude

Incorporating gratitude into our busy schedules does not have to be in grandiose gestures only. For our own personal well being, taking a short job stoppage during a stressful time, either at work or at home, and asking yourself what you are grateful for at that moment can suffice. There is never going to be a time when everything in your life is perfect but there will always be something you are grateful for. Express your gratitude in whatever manner the moment dictates, whether it be through a good cup of coffee, a hug, a smile, a walk in the sunshine or just in being present in your current emotional state. There will always be an element of mindfulness in practicing gratitude.

Practical Tips and Tricks for Gratitude

• Practice gratitude actively. Don’t wait for it to come to you first.
• Set a time every day to reflect on what made you feel grateful. For instance, at the end of each day, look back on what went on that day and what you are grateful for.
• Keep a gratitude journal.
• Keep it simple. Look at the small things that enrich your life.
• Share your gratitude with those around you.
• Say Thank You often.
• Remind yourself that every new day brings a new opportunity to show your gratitude in your own unique way.