Gratitude is a buzzword throughout the world of health and wellness. Nearly every therapist or coach is encouraging using a gratitude journal, gratitude meditations, and more. But gratitude is not just a trend; research has actually shown a clear link between gratitude and happiness in life. Gratitude may just be the key to living a happier life and improving your mental health. So, see below to discover more about this close link and how you can begin practicing gratitude today.
The Connection Between Gratitude and Happiness
Gratitude is the act of being thankful or showing appreciation for something or someone. When we acknowledge the good things in our lives, this creates a switch in the brain and a shift in our mindset into a more positive and happy state. Expressing gratitude to other people can also improve their happiness levels because it provides them with the appreciation and recognition they may have previously missed.
Practicing gratitude helps us to actively focus on the happy spaces of our lives and balance out the negatives that tend to cloud our minds. When we feel sad, it is normal to think that only bad things are in our lives. Practicing gratitude helps us consciously focus on the positive, express our thanks, and shift our perspective into a more balanced state.
How Can You Practice Gratitude?
Practicing gratitude can be as simple as thanking someone when they do something, or it can be a more conscious activity through the practice of gratitude journaling. As you begin practicing gratitude, try out a few different methods to see what works best for you. There is no one right way to practice gratitude. See below for the top 3 ways to practice gratitude:
- Say Thank You
When something good happens in your life, the simple act of saying thanks at that moment can help you relish in the joy for a little while longer. If you don’t feel comfortable verbalizing your thanks to another person, you can also begin this practice by saying thank you mentally or by writing a thank you note.
- Practice Gratitude Meditation
Gratitude meditation is a powerful way to internalize the practice of gratitude and shift into deeper levels of healing in your life. You can practice gratitude meditation through a visualization technique or by simply thanking each and every breath as it moves through your nose. Prayer beads (or Malas) can help you clear your mind through focus or repeating a mantra. Make sure to check out YouTube for guided practices to help get you started.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal
Gratitude journaling is a highly effective way to incorporate gratitude into your daily life. A common practice is to keep a journal near your bed, and each night before sleeping, write down 3 to 5 things that you are grateful for. This will help you to finish your day on a more positive note and remind you of the many happy spaces you have in your life.
Get Started on Living a Happier Life!
Gratitude is a simple but effective way to raise your happiness and improve your mental health. Whatever method you choose for practicing gratitude, try to make it a daily practice. The more you incorporate gratitude into your life, the more benefits you will gain and the better your mental health will be. So, get started on your gratitude practice today and start living a happier life in no time!
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