Why You Should Have An Attitude Of Gratitude
Did you know that something as simple as showing gratitude can stir up feelings of happiness, boost your overall mental health and give you a better view on your life? There are so many health benefits connected to showing gratitude. It has been referred to as a natural antidepressant and can even give the same effects as medication if practiced daily.
in this article you will find...
*the definition of gratitude
*reasons you should show gratitude
*research on gratitude
*effects of showing gratitude
*examples of how to show gratitude
*BONUS free gratitude journal printable
what is gratitude?
Gratitude according to Harvard Health Publishing helps people refocus on what they have versus what they lack. The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia which means grace, graciousness or gratefulness depending on the context.
what does research tell us about gratitude?
According to Positive Psychology, when we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions and they make us feel good. They enhance our mood immediately, making us feel happy from the inside.
When we consciously show gratitude everyday, we can help the neural pathways strengthen themselves and eventually create a permanent grateful and positive nature within ourselves (https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude).
Research on gratitude done by Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Dr. Michael E. McCullough showed interesting results. In one study, they asked all participants to write a few sentences each week that focused on certain topics. One group wrote about things they were grateful for that happened during the week. The second group wrote daily about things that bothered them or things they were not happy about. The third group wrote about events that affected them with no emphasis on them being positive or negative.
After 10 weeks, the individuals who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. They exercised more and had less trips to the doctor than those who focused on things that aggravated them.
People who show gratitude become great at finding the good in situations and get rid of negative thoughts quicker than people who harp on the negative. Rather than seeing children as bratty they see their child as strong willed. Instead of loud and out of control, they may see them as vocal and they know what they want.
These small changes in our perceptions change the way we approach our kids. If we see our kids in a negative way, we’re more likely to respond to them in negative ways (yelling, eye rolling, and aggression). If we see our kids in a positive light, we are able to respond with more empathy and patience.
what are the benefits of showing gratitude?
Extends an individual’s life span
According to S. Boyle’s Pessimism Cynicism Can Hurt Your Heart, gratitude as a positive emotion improves an individual’s overall well being. An example of this is how gratitude enhances optimism, which then combats the health hazards brought by fostering a pessimistic outlook in life.
Creates a healthy social circle
People who show gratitude and express it regularly will attract people with the same mindset. Gratitude is more than just a natural response . Gratitude is a shift in the mindset where you can train your brain to be more tuned in to be positive.
5 ways to adopt an attitude of gratitude
Keep a gratitude journal
Keeping a gratitude journal will help you be intentional about showing gratitude. The journal can help you focus on three to five things daily that you are grateful for.
Share gratitude towards others
Compliment others when you see them doing well.
Write thank you notes
To show appreciation for anything of value whether it is time, physical items or kind words, hand written notes of gratitude add a sentimental touch.
Pray
In appreciation, thank God for all the blessings he has provided you with.
Make gratitude a part of your family life
Everyone will share something they are grateful for daily or weekly during dinner. This will help your family adapt an attitude of gratitude and maintain a positive uplifted environment.
Compliment others when you see them doing well
Rather than complain about challenges you may face, look for the lessons that were learned through that season.
This year, I encourage you to take time out of your schedule and begin showing gratitude. You will be amazed on how your outlook on life will begin to shift. I believe journaling in a gratitude journal can be so powerful in the sense that you are able to write down things that are occurring day to day and hone in on what needs to be fixed, what you should continue doing and help you come up with ways to make a shift when things are not going as planned.
Below you will be able to download a copy of the gratitude journal that I currently use. I use this journal to keep me on track while maintaining a positive outlook on life. Have you used any of the five ways to show gratitude that were listed above?
Click the picture to get a copy of the gratitude journal I created to help you practice gratitude on a daily basis. I would love to hear how practicing gratitude has helped you during this season of your life.
