An attitude of gratitude

What do you have to be grateful for? Seems like an odd question, right? But science has shown that practicing gratitude regularly has several well-being benefits. Whether you practice gratitude when you need a quick pick-me-up, when you can’t get yourself motivated, or when you just want to take stock of what you are grateful for, practicing gratitude can be incredibly beneficial.

How can practicing gratitude help you?

• Healthy relationships – Studies have shown that practicing gratitude has the power to heal, energise, and transform lives. People who reflect and reframe experiences using gratitude tend to experience more positive emotions, which leads to healthier relationships.
• Boosting your immune system – Gratitude has also been shown to boost the immune system, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. As stress lowers, the immune system’s response to potential bodily threats becomes stronger.
• Optimism – It has been scientifically proven that practicing gratitude journaling can create a 5%–15% increase in optimism. This means the more we practice gratitude, the more we find things to be grateful for.
• Improved mental health – Researchers have found that high levels of gratitude positively impact psychological well-being, self-esteem, and even depression. Gratitude can help you feel better about your circumstances, which in turn helps improve how you feel about yourself.

These are just a few benefits of practicing gratitude; there are many more that could have a positive impact on your life, such as:

• Strengthening your family relationships
• Making us more giving toward others
• Reducing materialism
• Helping us find meaning in our work
• Improving decision-making
• Enhancing sleep quality

What can you do to practice gratitude?

There are many ways to practice gratitude. Pick a few or just one that works for you, and give it a try:

• Journaling – Journaling is a great gratitude exercise. Simply jot down something you are grateful for daily or weekly. It could be as simple as being thankful for sunshine or for the bus driver who said good morning. It’s a quick and easy way to practice gratitude.
• Gratitude Jar – A gratitude jar is similar to journaling but serves as a physical reminder of what you're grateful for. When you’re feeling down, go to your jar and remind yourself of everything you’ve noted. Filling your jar over time is also a great way to practice gratitude.
• Gratitude mood board – If you’re more of a visual person, a gratitude mood board might be your thing. Add something new to it every evening or at the end of each week—whether it’s a message, picture, or drawing.
• Gratitude reflection or meditation – If you prefer internal reflection instead of writing, try gratitude meditation. Find a quiet, comfortable spot to reflect on what you’re grateful for and remind yourself that life is a precious gift.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but by practicing gratitude, you can positively impact many aspects of your life. Start small, and over time, paying attention to what you’re grateful for will become easier. You have the potential to change your mindset, well-being, and relationships—so why not give it a try?

By Beth

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