We often forget to take a step back and look around at everything we have to be thankful for. Whether it’s a hug from our dad or the tasty meal prepared for us by our roommate, there are so many things around us that we take for granted.
If we can look at the big picture and focus on all the good things in our life, we can surround ourselves with positivity and learn to be more appreciative of the people and pets that are a part of our lives.
Gratitude is the way we express our thanks and a way to show our appreciation for all the good things in life that make us happy. Being grateful may not be an easy habit to pick up, but it is a healthy way to foster optimism and overall growth.
Importance of Gratitude
It is inevitable to have bad days and to experience obstacles in life. Practicing the art of being thankful will help you focus on being happy now and help you forget about what is causing your stress and anxiety.
By being more grateful and thankful for all the good in your life, you can manage your stress in a better way and motivate yourself to turn the negative into positive.
Expressing gratitude to all the important people in your life not only makes a big impact on your mental health, but it also strengthens bonds between you and your family and friends. When you are more grateful to others, you realize the importance of the people that surround you and tend to feel more supported and loved by them.
Not only does gratitude benefit your mind, you also tend to evolve as a person because of this new outlook on life. The more grateful you are, the more helpful you become because you have a new appreciation for life that you would like to share with others.
This is important because your small acts of kindness can go a long way in making other people happy when they need it the most.
3 Ways to Be More Grateful
Saying thanks shouldn’t be too hard, should it? There are small ways to make gratitude a part of your routine. Being grateful will only help you mentally and make you enjoy life a little more.
1. What Made You Happy Today?
Start small and sleep happy. Write down 5 – 10 things that made you happy today and left you with a positive impact. Small things like, “My coffee tastes great” or “I got a compliment on my shoes” will reinforce those good feelings you experienced and help you focus on the positive aspects of your day.
You will soon realize that there are so many more positive things to look forward to when you wake up.
2. Volunteer
If you love dogs or enjoy Bingo with older individuals, you can practice your gratitude by giving back to society and volunteer at a shelter or nursing home.
Volunteering will help you feel good because you know you are doing good for others and being supportive when they need it. This, in turn, will not only increase your overall well-being, but it will also help society at the same time.
3. Express Thanks to Someone Close to You
Whether it’s your mom who will always pick up the phone or your friend who has always been there for you, it is important to show them how much you care and appreciate them for being by your side.
A fun card or a handwritten note will go a long way to show them your appreciation and reinforce your love for them. In turn, you will make them feel happy and loved at the same time.
You don’t have to do this every day; once a month or every few weeks will also make a big impact. Set a reminder on your phone or planner to help you make it a habit.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
PreCheck Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://www.precheck.com/blog/5-reasons-why-practicing-gratitude-important-healthcare
W. (2016, July 12). 8 Ways To Have More Gratitude Every Day. Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2016/07/08/8-ways-to-have-more-gratitude-every-day/#59e794691d54
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Giving thanks can make you happier. Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
