In a world where we're bombarded with self-help advice and feel-good mantras, gratitude has been right up there with yoga classes and green smoothies as a trendy tool for enhancing your daily life and improving your mental and emotional health.
It has been treated as a kind of cure-all for life's problems. Unhappy? Be grateful for what you have and you will find happiness. Stressed out? Count your blessings and everything will magically fall into place. Feeling unfulfilled? Practice gratitude and watch as your life transforms into blissful contentment.
So, I've always kinda doubted it. Of course there are things I'm grateful for, but do I really have to write it down every day? Do I have to 'practice' it?
But thinking and reading more about it, there may just be something to this whole gratitude thing.
Need a little convincing? Here are six reasons that being grateful, is, well, great 😊
1. It can boost your mood.
You're right, it won't magically turn you into a happy-go-lucky person, but when you take a moment to acknowledge the good things in your life it can bring a smile to your face. It may be catching the sunrise, a kind word from a stranger, or that first cup of coffee in the morning - finding these moments of gratitude can definitely brighten your day.
2. It helps to strengthen relationships.
Yep, it really does. Think about it. How do you feel when someone acknowledges how important you are to them? Or how much they value you and your input? That 'thank you' (the one that has real meaning), the acknowledgement and being told how much you mean and why - that gives all the warm feels. So give it a go - let the people in your life know just how grateful you are for them and what they do for you.
3. It can build resilience.
Life is full of challenges, and let's be honest – sometimes it feels like no amount of gratitude can make a difference. However, while it might not solve all your problems, practicing gratitude can help shift your perspective and remind you that there's still plenty of good in the world. So, the next time you're faced with a setback, try focusing on the things you're thankful for. You might find it gives you the strength to keep going.
4. It helps you sleep better.
This one did surprise me. The idea that reflecting on the positive aspects of your day before bed could improve your sleep seemed a little out there. However, research suggests that it can help quiet your mind and promote more restful sleep. So, while it might not be a miracle cure for insomnia, it can't hurt to give it a go if you're struggling to sleep at night.
5. It can improve your self-esteem.
In a world that often feels like a never-ending competition, it can be hard to feel good about yourself. But practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, leading to greater feelings of self-worth and appreciation. So, the next time you find yourself spiraling down into negativity try making a list of all the good things about yourself and in your life. You might just find that you're more amazing than you give yourself credit for 💙
6. It can help you be more creative
Nope, it won't make you super creative, or increase your skills, but if you approach life with a grateful mindset it can make you more open to new experiences and ideas. So, by incorporating gratitude into your creative process, whether by keeping a gratitude journal or just stopping every now and again to appreciate the world around you, you may just find that it sparks some of your best ideas yet.
So, even if you're a a bit of a sceptic, why not give it a try? After all, you have nothing to lose and you might just find your days are a little brighter for it.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Daily Gratitude printable.