The Power of Gratitude

With the holiday season approaching, there is lots of talk around being thankful and leading a life full of gratitude. However, this can be a challenge for many people, whether it be hard to find gratitude if you are going through a difficult time or if you are struggling to hold yourself accountable to practicing gratitude each day. We will discuss the psychological benefits of gratitude practices as well as some tools and tips to help you begin incorporating gratitude into your daily life. 

Does Gratitude Really Work? 

If you’re wondering whether practicing gratitude will really improve your mental health, you are not alone. Researchers in the field of positive psychology have been looking into what kinds of benefits gratitude practices can provide. In one study conducted,  participants were asked to write a few sentences each week. One group wrote about what they were thankful for, the second focused on things that had bothered them over the course of the week, and the third were just asked to write about any impactful events but were not given direction on whether they should be positive or negative. After 10 weeks, those that had been practicing gratitude were more optimistic, had increased life satisfaction, exercised more, and had less doctor visits. 

Another study looked at whether gratitude could improve relationships. The researchers found that couples who took time to express gratitude for each other felt more positive about their partner as well as more comfortable expressing their emotions within the relationship. 

How Can I Incorporate Gratitude into my Daily Routine? 

Now that we know gratitude really can positively impact your life, you may be wondering how you can incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. 

1. Keep a gratitude journal. A gratitude journal can be as simple as jotting down a handful of things you are grateful for each morning when you wake up or each night as you begin to unwind for bed. It can even be a great tool to reflect back on when you are needing an extra boost of happiness. 
2. Meditate. Mediation is a great way to incorporate gratitude into your life. Mediation is all about being mindful and present and many people find that focusing on things they are grateful for, is a great way to calm their mind and slow racing thoughts. 
3. Send a message of gratitude. You can set a goal for yourself to send one message of gratitude each day, Whether that be a phone call to a loved one or a text message to a coworker, expressing your gratitude for others will not only make them feel great, but can boost your mood as well. 
4. Enjoy a walk: Taking a walk and intentionally spending time to appreciate and be thankful for nature is another great way to unplug and practice gratitude. 
5. Volunteer: Giving back to your community is a rewarding way to express your gratitude and to reflect on all that you have. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier