Gratitude positively reframes how we see the world, shifting the focus onto the good in life – focusing on what we have rather than what we do not and helping us to find the positives in our everyday life.
The Benefits of Gratitude:
- Increased Optimism – People with a regular gratitude practice report feeling more optimistic in their daily lives.
- Better Relationships with Loved Ones – Regularly showing appreciation for our loved ones ultimately leads to improved relationships with the important people in our lives.
- Reduced Stress – Acts of gratitude can act as a buffer against stress.
- Enhanced Resilience – Practicing gratitude can lead to increased resilience helping us to deal with life’s obstacles and bounce back.
One of the key ways to get the benefit of gratitude is not just to feel it but to express it. Expressing gratitude to others can amplify the benefits of a gratitude practice.
Ways of Expressing Gratitude:
- Choose your method – It can be a quick text, a phone call or even sending a thank you card.
- Be sincere – Be specific, genuine and thoughtful – mentioning a particular thing that the other person did for you is much more powerful than a general “thanks”.
- Journal – Keeping a gratitude journal, taking time to focus on things that you are grateful for.
By taking time to express gratitude you actively enhance your bonds with others while also improving your own wellbeing.
See example of gratitude journal:
Yoga with Trish 