Why should we be thankful for gratitude ?

What do you think of when you hear the word “gratitude”?

Counting your blessings, keeping a gratitude diary, expressing the thankfulness you feel in words, or something else?

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the concept as “the state of being grateful”. I believe that the use of the word “state” is significant because when we consider the word “state” we are thinking about a way of being or a condition of the mind or temperament.

When we think of gratitude in that way it becomes so much more than just an activity that you engage with, it’s a whole way of being, a different sense of awareness that permeates everything you do in terms of your response to the world that you live in.

What are the benefits of gratitude ?

Your physical health

Gratitude has been found to strengthen your immune system. Additionally, living within this state of positivity, it is likely that you will experience fewer bodily pains and discomforts than previously. As gratitude and anxiety cannot co-exist, you will find that if your heart rate and blood pressure were previously elevated they will begin to reduce to normal levels. The quality of your sleep will potentially also improve, resulting in increased energy levels during the day.

Your mindset

By cultivating an attitude of gratitude your mindset will be subtly changed to one of increased positivity. This will be reflected in your thoughts and feelings which will result in your managing challenging situations with a more optimistic and solution focused outlook. You may find that familiar activities now seem to be more fulfilling for you. Working from a gratitude mindset you will become increasingly aware of people, events and circumstances for which you now feel grateful. It is as if your “gratitude awareness” has become more sensitive. As a result of this heightening of your awareness you will feel happier and more positive overall.

Your relationships with others

When you live in a state of gratitude you become a more skilled communicator with a greater sense of empathy which strengthens the relationships that you have with others. When working within a group you are perceived to be more likeable and will potentially contribute more as a team member than previously.

Your relationship with yourself

Self-love is crucial for your wellbeing. Studies have shown that it can lead to increased happiness, resilience and physical wellbeing  together with a reduction in stress and anxiety. It can also have a positive impact on your interpersonal relationships.

When you practise self-love you take care of your self in every sphere of your life, mind, body and spirit. Gratitude supports self-love by fostering a sense of connection between ourselves and the world in which we live and helps us to feel more connected to ourselves too. By focusing on the good things in our lives, the focus is shifted from the negative aspects of our experiences which in turn enables us to make time to nurture ourselves, in body, mind and spirit.

How can I bring more gratitude into my life ?

Focus on yourself first.

A daily five minute practice of journaling 5 good things about yourself, your achievements, or the way in which you interact with others, will help to offset the negative self-talk that we so often engage in.

Maintain a life focused gratitude journal.

When you focus on all that you are thankful for in your life your attention is redirected towards positive memories and feelings. By focusing on these, you will automatically begin to bring more of this positivity into your life. Many people find that their gratitude diary grows with every passing day as they find more and more to celebrate and be thankful for.

Write a gratitude letter.

Choose a person for whom you are especially grateful to have in your life. Make the time to write to them fully expressing your thanks and  your appreciation for all that they are and for the difference that they have made to your life.

Befriend a pebble.

Choose a pebble that appeals to you, pick it up and put it in your pocket. During the day, every time you feel that pebble, take time to think of one thing that you are grateful for. If you wish, during the day you may choose to take the pebble out of your pocket and place it on your table or desk. If you do this, then every time that you see the pebble you can choose to pause for a moment to reflect on something that you are grateful for. At the end of the day, you can hold that pebble once again and think about all that you are grateful for in this day.

Spend time in nature.

This short TED talk and film by Louie Schwartzberg harmonises the wonder of nature with a deep sense of gratitude.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDMoiEkyuQ&t=8s

In conclusion

The state of being grateful brings positive benefits to your health and wellbeing, both physically and psychologically whilst also enhancing your relationships with others and with yourself. As you live within this state, your overall happiness and your quality of life will improve significantly. These benefits are something that we can all be thankful for.