Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful remedy which unlocks the fullness in life.

Wealth of data shows that having a regular gratitude practice is a very potent way in which you can steer your mental and physical health in positive directions. There is a wide range of benefits that the state of thankfulness generates:

It acts as a catalyst for neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – the ones that manage our emotions, anxiety, and immediate stress responses.

Mind naturally leans toward noticing and processing the negative stuff, so, it’s important to take some time and balance it out through recognizing the vast amount of good that is all around us.

One of the ways to practice gratitude is writing a gratitude journal to simply keep track of the good things in life.

When we write our list of what’s important to us, or if we are noting down things that inspire us, this will allow our mind to cultivate a positive way of thinking which, with time, will become dominant.

How to write a gratitude journal?

Start to write down brief reflections on moments for which you’re thankful. There’s no wrong way to keep a gratitude journal, but here are some general instructions as you get started:

1. 15 minutes per day, at least three times per week

2. Be as specific as possible

3. Notice the small things

4. Get personal

Sum up your day in the evening before going to bed and try to answer the following questions:

1. What are 3 compliments that you would like to give yourself today?

2. What are 3 obstacles you faced and what are you learning from them?

3. Who are 3 people who made your life happier today (friends, family, strangers...)

4. Chose 1 moment of your day that made you happy and focus on it 5 minutes before going to sleep

As with everything, starting can be the most difficult part. It is worth the effort!

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”

—Melody Beattie