Introduction
In today’s busy society, it is often the case that we get caught up in the hassle of daily activities and do not stop to recognize the positive aspects that are in existence. We often concentrate on what we do not have rather than what we possess. However, managing the feeling of appreciation can greatly change how people view their surroundings, relationships, and life in general. In this paper, we are going to consider the power of appreciation, the benefits of being thankful and how to apply it in our lives.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude brings into being the feeling and state of appreciation and thanks for a particular event or person. It is a good feeling that enables people to recognize the better side of life regardless of how minute it is. Gratitude as a sensibility can be directed towards people, events, or even simple things such as being at a nice party or having a nice cup of coffee. Gratitude can bring happiness, for who focus their satisfaction on the things they have rather on what is missing, appreciation enables them to change their way of seeing.
The Benefits of Gratitude
Research has shown that practicing gratitude can be beneficial to our bodies and even to our minds. A number of the advantages of appreciation include:
• Improved outlook on life: Gratitude and depression, stress, and anxiety have a negative correlation in the research. This means that as one increases, other decreases. Whenever we start thinking about things which we are thankful for, our thinking starts to change as we modify the wiring of our brain.
• Better sleep: First, there is a proposal that gratitude could induce better sleep habits and this results in improved mood.
• Stronger relationships: When we acknowledge the good deeds done to us by others it fosters appreciation which complements our relationships enabling them to grow stronger.
• Improved physical health: Other studies have found that gratitude contributes to improved blood pressure, a healthy weight, and supports the immune system.
Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude
Adding a sprinkle of gratitude into our lifestyles is not as difficult as we make it out to be. Here’s what you can do:
• Gratitude journal: Each day at any time of the day but preferably the evening, take a few minutes to write down three things you appreciate. It could be something as simple as having breakfast or being able to see the sun set.
• Share gratitude with others: Send a thank you message to someone, whether it’s a text message, a nice phone call, or even a gift.
How to Practice Gratitude
Making a habit of gratitude can work wonders in one’s life but it is not very easy. In this section some of the common barriers to gratitude are identified along with solutions to tackle them.
• Negative Patterns: If further developing the nagging negative thinking patterns is an obstacle, then make it your mission to look for the good in that which is negative. It may help to count one’s blessings to change one’s mindset.
• Keeping up With the Joneses: Always looking towards others in terms of best practice makes it difficult to appreciate the little milestones you achieve in your life. Stay in your lane and learn to start enjoying your victories.
• Single Event of Harm: Trauma certainly creates a barrier in almost every aspect in a person’s life, the same applies in accessing gratitude. Consult a therapist or talk to a close friend or family member. You are not alone, and help is always around the corner.
Conclusion:
As seen throughout the text, gratitude has the potential to change the way one lives their life. Improved lifestyle through a practice of daily gratitude will not only benefit their mental health, but their physical health as well, along with building more successful relationships and an increase in happiness. Consistency is key with gratitude, and focus on the little things daily to create a foundation. Set small goals and gradually work through them. In a few months, it will be interesting to see how effective focusing on gratitude changes your life for the better.