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Gratitude is something that I have practised for many years. I tend to be a ‘glass half full’ person in any case, however there have been many times when life’s challenges had me feeling quite the opposite. It was during these times, that I had to make a conscious effort to notice things to be grateful for and at times, fight against my negative thoughts to list out four or five.
Most days, I begin my day with gratitude before I even get out of bed. On these dark, cold winter mornings, it is the perfect way to set my mind up in a positive way before the day begins. By listing off as many things as I can think of to be grateful for, I go from feeling tired and negative to feeling happy and optimistic about the day ahead, knowing that I’ve already got a lot to be thankful for.
What is Gratitude?
Simply put, gratitude is the act of thinking, feeling and expressing appreciation for what we have in our lives. It's about acknowledging the positive things that are happening, even in the midst of challenging times. This simple act has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people discover the benefits of cultivating a grateful mindset.
Why has gratitude become so popular in recent years?
There are a few reasons for this. For one, we live in an increasingly fast-paced and stressful world, and cultivating gratitude can be a powerful antidote to the constant rush of life. Additionally, with the rise of social media and the internet, there is an increased awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being. Gratitude has become a popular tool for promoting emotional and psychological health.
Benefits of gratitude include:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: When we focus on the things that we are grateful for, it helps to shift our mindset from negative to positive. This can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Improves relationships: Gratitude can also be a powerful tool for improving our relationships. When we express gratitude to others, it can help to strengthen our connections with them, and foster a sense of closeness and intimacy.
- Boosts overall happiness: Gratitude has been shown to increase overall feelings of happiness and well-being. When we focus on the positive things in our lives, it can help to counteract the negative thoughts and emotions that can bring us down.
- Promotes resilience: Cultivating gratitude can also help to build resilience in the face of adversity. When we focus on the positive things in our lives, it can help us to feel more optimistic and hopeful about the future, even in challenging times.
Gratitude is a simple but powerful practice that has many benefits and yet another well-being practice that is free and available to all of us. You do not even need a notebook or pen to practice it.
Whether you are looking to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your relationships, boost your overall happiness, or promote resilience, cultivating a grateful mindset can help.
And with the many challenges we face in the world today, there has never been a better time to rediscover the power of being thankful for what we have.
Next Steps
If you would like to know more about beginning a gratitude practice, then why not read our article - Six Steps To Start Your Gratitude Practice.
