How to Practice Gratitude
Raise your hand if you have ever had anyone say, “you should be grateful for the food on your plate” or “You should be grateful to have a roof over your head”? Well, these kinds of statements actually do the opposite of making people feel grateful. Instead, they usually bring up feelings of resentment and guilt, rather than gratitude. These feelings arise because these statements actually shame individuals into feeling gratitude, which is not what being grateful is all about. Today we’ll explore how to practice gratitude, what it is, what it isn’t and why it really works!
What is A Gratitude Practice?
Practicing gratitude is a way to find inner peace, lasting happiness, and contentment. Studies show that those who practice gratitude have improved health, reduction in stress and healthier relationships. Individuals who practice can experience more positive emotions, express more compassion and feel more alive. Basically, becoming a happier, healthier and kinder you. The best part is, you don’t have to change your entire life to live in gratitude, it’s all about finding and enjoying life’s’ simple pleasures.
Activities to help you Practice Gratitude
Here are some easy ways to practise gratitude right now:
1) Write down three good things about your day. Even on your worst days, try and find something positive
2) Saying thank you once a day. Expressing gratitude to others has been shown to increase happiness and reduce depressive symptoms
3) Pause and be in the moment. Savour some everyday moments. Stop and smell the flowers, look at the clouds or sit down and enjoy your coffee.
4) Practice mindfulness. Incorporate a quick meditation, yoga session or deep breathing practise into your daily routine.
5) Start a gratitude journal. Check your phone’s App Store for free resources, journals or prompts you can use to get started!
Why Practice Daily Gratitude?
Practicing gratitude each day can aid you in thinking and moving through life differently. It will change your thinking from the negative and redirect it to the positive. Some moments are taken for granted, so we should try and slow down and practice gratitude.
Looking for help with your gratitude practise? We can help. Gratitude practise can be an essential tool along with talk therapy. Contact Reflection Centre to see if a member of our team would be a good fit for you!
