Gratitude can be hard to have when things simply don’t pan out the way we would like them to. Life can be heartbreaking, stressful, difficult, disappointing, and at times, downright unfair. Our complexities as human beings leave us with needs, dreams, and desires that we expect to be met. So it’s only inevitable that when things don’t happen the way we’d hope, it’s much easier to dwell on what’s going wrong than all that is going right.
“Be thankful for what you have” you hear it time and time again but how many of us really take on this sentiment whole-heartedly? It’s a challenge you should consider because although it may not be easy to be grateful at times, it is scientifically proven that seeing the good, especially in the mundane moments of life, can actually change your brain for the better.
If practiced enough to become habitual, gratitude can make you a more resilient and optimistic version of yourself (especially in those hard and disappointing times) and who doesn’t want that?
Benefits of Gratitude
- Increased happiness
- Reduced stress
- Better health (ex. stronger immune system, healthy blood pressure, fewer aches)
- Better focus and productivity
- Lessens anxiety, depression and toxic emotions
- Increased energy
- Improves relationships and communication
- Improves self-esteem
- Better sleep
- Increases mental strength
Conclusion
Gratitude is powerful and is focused on the act of mindful self-reflection. By reflecting daily on the good things in your life, big or small, you can take one step to significantly improve your quality of life. Why not give it a shot?
Let’s start! In this very moment, what are you thankful for?