Feeling grateful is good for us – plain and simple. Gratitude often has a boomerang effect and can change your life. According to happierhuman.com, an attitude of gratitude can have extremely positive impacts on your life– here are a few points:
- Gratitude makes us happier. A five-minute gratitude journal can increase your long-term well-being by more than 10 percent.
- Gratitude makes us nicer, more trusting, more social, and more appreciative.
- Gratitude makes us healthier. Gratitude is correlated with improved sleep quality, reduced depressive symptoms and improved time exercising.
- Gratitude strengthens our emotions by reducing feelings of envy, makes our moments happier, lets us experience good feelings, and helps us bounce back from stress.
An article in Health magazine (November 2016) suggested a 21-day path to a more grateful life. Follow these simple suggestions for a more gratifying life:
Week 1 – Notice the good.
Think in threes – Each morning identify three things you are grateful for. Be creative and specific. Try not to repeat items and dig deep for things you cherish. Find a way to document your thoughts – journaling, voice recorder, sharing with a friend or family member.
Week 2 – Go beyond yourself.
Upgrade “thanks” – Each day this week, show appreciation towards someone new and be very specific with the act of kindness. Share with the person the grateful moment and how it impacted you.
Be of Service – People feel extra grateful for their lives when they give back in some way. Find some time to volunteer and cherish the moments.
Week 3 – Thank outside the box.
Discover unexpected moments – During your “think in three” moments – think about the people who have brought you joy (caregivers, teachers at school, friends of family, etc.). Find a way to share your gratitude towards them.
Discover the silver linings – Life isn’t always perfect or the way we planned. Ponder about less than perfect experiences and how the outcome(s) may have actually impacted you in a positive way.
We all have the opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Take a few moments each day to adapt an attitude of gratitude and watch the boomerang effect!
