How to Practice Gratitude
Today we’re reviewing why you should practice gratitude and how this simple exercise is the perfect way for a busy mom to cultivate each dimension of wellness, so you can maintain that feeling of balance.
What is Gratitude?
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
Cicero
What is gratitude? In my mind, gratitude is the active acknowledgment of the good in your life. Showing appreciation for who and what you have, not only reminds you of what is important, but also keeps you focused on the positive instead of dwelling on the negative.
Why Practice Gratitude?
There are countless reasons to practice gratitude, spanning the dimensions of wellness.
This simple practice, benefits the mind, the body, and the spirit in a variety of ways. A few of these benefits include improved or increased:
- Feelings of happiness and psychological well-being
- Self-esteem
- Relationships
- Social support
- Spiritual connectedness
- Outlook on life
- Patience and decision-making
- Occupational wellness
- Physical health and wellness
- Sleep
For more information on the benefits of practicing gratitude check out the Positive Psychology article.
Taking time to focus on what we are thankful for or what we appreciate about our lives, not only brings awareness, but completely reframes our perspective.
We can see beyond our current stress and struggles to the bigger picture, for example, hassles, become smaller, and our problems become more manageable.
How to Practice Gratitude
Incorporating a gratitude practice into your daily routine is pretty simple, so find something that speaks to you and go for it!
1. Make a List
The easiest thing you can do to practice gratitude is make a list — handwritten, typed, or mental. Start noticing and keeping track of the people, experiences, talents and abilities, or whatever else comes to mind that you appreciate.
Reflect on this list when you feel stressed, frustrated, or disappointed, for an instant lift.
2. Write a Letter
Write a letter to someone in your life for whom you are grateful. Tell them why you appreciate them and how they have impacted your life. If possible, consider sending the letter to the person for an added bonus.
Not only will you reap the benefits, but you will have an opportunity to positively affect another. Just imagine how good that person will feel and what an impact that would have on someone’s well-being! Wow!
3. Make a Dedication
Show your appreciation by making a donation or dedication in honor of someone or something.
This could be a big gesture like a dedicating a monument or park bench, but something small can be just as meaningful.
A few years ago, my husband and I were training for a marathon and one of the women in our running group mentioned that she likes to dedicate each mile to someone she cares about. For example, mile one she would think about this person and how much they mean to her, mile two would be another person, mile three another, so on and so forth until mile 26. A simple idea, but powerful nonetheless.
4. Use Affirmations
Positive affirmations are useful when it comes to setting intentions and keeping your mind in line, so try using them to practice gratitude as well.
Each morning, upon rising you could say something like “I am thankful for this day” or “I am grateful for my family”. Again, it doesn’t have to big or overly complicated, just something that helps you focus on the positive.
5. Give Thanks
Along those lines of using affirmations, the simple gesture of giving thanks before a meal is a traditional exercise that does not need to be reserved for holidays and special occasions.
Honor all of those who played a part in providing you with nutritious sustenance — plants, animals, farmers, delivery services, grocers, shoppers, and of course whomever prepared the meal.
Being grateful and showing appreciation for the blessings in your life does not have to be complicated, but it should be intentional.
No matter what you are going through, there is always something for which you can be grateful. Perhaps, it’s simply the air in your lungs, the kindness of a stranger, or the leftover pizza in the refrigerator.
“If you go hunting good in the world, you’ll find it.”
Karen Marie Moning
If you’re looking for an efficient way to cultivate ALL the dimensions of wellness this exercise should definitely be in your toolkit.
For more information on practicing gratitude, check out this week’s YouTube video:
How do you practice gratitude? Share in the comments below!
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