Severe stress can impact you physically and mentally. It can lead to symptoms like headaches, chronic health issues, and sleep problems, just to name a few. Our ability to cope with stress greatly affects the way it shows up in our lives.
It’s gratitude day, and yes, we could all use a little gratitude every day, but this day serves as a good reminder of just how important it is to express it. Gratitude helps us lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Expressing gratitude can reduce stress and even lessen symptoms of depression, along with a host of other benefits. Today, take a moment to show someone gratitude or extend some to yourself.
If gratitude is something you struggle with, you wouldn’t be the first. Some people have a harder time with gratitude than others. They might find it cheesy or just simply don’t feel it. People struggle with gratitude for several reasons, be it genes, life situation, or mental health. It’s complicated! Most emotions are. Stay with me, though. Don’t give up on gratitude just yet.
Practicing gratitude helps us make amends with loved ones, show them we care, and just makes people feel good. Self-gratitude has the same positive effect. It builds self-love, appreciation and resilience. Who doesn’t want that? You don’t have to be happy to express gratitude. First, no one walks around feeling an abundance of gratitude and joy all day. We all have bad days, weeks, and months.
Treat gratitude like a muscle, because that’s essentially what it is. There’s a lot of repetition before you see any results. So, add it to the regime. Gratitude adds a layer of humanness to this new world of technology, and it’s good for your health. And the best part? There are simple, free, and effective ways to build it.
Whether you do it at the beginning or the end of your day, there are so many reasons to start journaling. Gratitude being one of them. Writing something down is the equivalent of engraving a thought into your mind. Take a moment to list 3 to 5 things you’re grateful for each day, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
These small, simple lists have compounding effects over time, and only takes a few moments of your day. If you’re still skeptical, check out this article from Berkley that explains the research dedicated to proving just how powerful writing down your gratitude can be.
If you have a hard time saying them yourself, try listening instead. Believe it or not, there is science behind the power of affirmations, positive or negative. The words we use each day have a magnifying effect and shape our inner and outer world.
Listening to positive affirmations can open your mind, increase mindfulness, and get this – cultivate gratitude! If you’re interested in building an affirmation practice, our recent blog can help you.
We all love feeling appreciated. It gives you this warm fuzzy feeling and fuels you with a boost of energy. Express gratitude for the people in your life – strangers, friends, and family alike. An expression of gratitude has a ripple effect that extends beyond one act of kindness. Gratitude is a mutual pleasure. It feels good to make others feel good and inspires them to do the same.
Here are a few small ways you can show appreciation that create big results.
Sometimes the simplest things have the most powerful impact on our lives. Gratitude is one of those things. It colors the world with positive energy, which we all could use a little more of. Try not to ignore this simple way to enhance your wellbeing and mental health.
If you struggle to feel gratitude right now, don’t beat yourself up. There could be a valid reason why you feel this way, like poor mental health. Getting support from a counselor can help you reflect and find your way back to gratitude. We all deserve to feel appreciated and happy within our lives.
Here at Dr. Messina and Associates, our compassionate team of professionals are qualified to help you at our Flower Mound, Texas, and Southlake, Texas, offices. Our Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Counselors specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychological testing, and medication management for a variety of emotional and behavioral health needs. All services are available in-person and online (telehealth). If you or a loved one are seeking help with mental health, we are here to help.
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