Researchers at UC Berkley and Harvard conducted studies on the benefits of practising gratitude daily.(The links are the studies) Of course their studies concluded that those who practise gratitude regularly were overall happier and healthier! Physically they report lower blood pressure and a better immune system, mentally they report more joy and happiness. <3
In this post I just wanted to share ways that you can add start to add the practise of gratitude into your life.
Ways to practise gratitude:
1. Start a Gratitude journal: the simple act of writing down 3-5 things that you are grateful for daily can really improve your mood and help create a positive outlook on life. Amazon has lots The Five Minute Journal is awesome!
2. Don't be picky; appreciate all that you have: Honestly, I used to be extremely picky about everything and didn't take time to appreciate the little things in life.
3. Find Gratitude in your challenges: It isn't all about positive experiences. Sometimes the challenges in life lead us to positive destinations.
4. Practise Mindfulness/Meditation: This one is still pretty tricky for me as my mind wanders ALL.OVER.THE.PLACE, which is why I need to focus on it! Mindfulness is when you really focus on what you are grateful for and see it. Take 5-10 mins each day. Meditation is where you quiet your mind and focus on the here and now, your breath, let all the tension and stress release from your body. Using an app like Headspace or Calm really helps.
There are many challenges and things out there you can start.
Here is a 7 Day one to get you on the right path!
Day 1: A moment or person that inspired you that you are grateful for: Think back on your life. What was something that happened to you that helped get you to where you are today. Think of a person who inspired you in your life. Write about it. Share it with someone or even thank that person for inspiring you!
Day 2: Show gratitude to your elders. Parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles or anyone older and wiser than you that helped get you to where you are today. Write them a thank you note (ACTUALLY mail it. Who doesn't love getting mail still), send flowers or a little gift.
Day 3: Self-love is so so so important to your happiness. What is one thing you love about yourself. Write about it. Share it with someone. Make this a daily habit. Be grateful for the person you are. You are uniquely and wonderfully made.
Day 4: Pay it forward. Seriously, why would you not want to make others days brighter? Bake cookies for a neighbour, call your friend up for a coffee date whatever you choose! Make someone's day brighter.
Day 5: Name a difficult situation that you are grateful for. Sometimes things in life are not always unicorns and rainbows. The difficult things are there for us to learn and grow. As hard as they may be at the time there is always a reason. Write it or share it with someone.
Day 6: Watch your spouse see how much they do for you in a day and then be sure to thank them and make sure you do something of appreciation for them in return <3 If you are single thank a friend for always being there for you.
Day 7: What is a single moment today that you are MOST grateful for. Be sure to write it in your journal, share it with others.
There are tons of other challenges out there. Pinterest is a great resource if you want to continue on with its.Practising gratitude is all about being grateful for all we have in life. The more brain power you spend on appreciating the good things in life, the less brain power you will have for focusing on the negative things in life.
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