Gratitude puts your subconscious mind in a state of contentedness. This helps you subconsciously cope with stress better, it helps keep you be more optimistic, even through the toughest times, and helps give you hope when things appear grim. Gratitude gives you the courage and strength to keep pushing, when you think you want to give up, and helps you identify new strategies and opportunities just as you think there are none. When you are grateful in life, you are more capable. Life is just easier.
Here are some strategies on how to practice gratitude:
- Write a gratitude list at the end of each day. You can do 10 things you are grateful for, or keep writing and jot down everything you can within say 5 minutes; set a timer. Some days will be tougher than others, and a gratitude list is most important on the toughest days when you think you just can’t think of anything. Ending your day with a gratitude list puts your mind in a state of calm and helps you sleep better. Suggestions for the tough days include:
- I woke up this morning
- I’m still alive
- I had a fresh meal where others may not
- I have a roof over my head
- Whenever something goes wrong, look for the lesson in it or the purpose. I am a strong believer of everything happens for a reason, rather than things happen at random. This belief helps me deal with difficult, and sometimes tragic, occurrences. Perhaps it can give you a little peace too during those times.
- For those that are religious, you can exercise gratitude in prayer.
- Practice gratitude by paying it forward. Identify what you are grateful for from the day, and pay it forward. ‘I’m grateful I bought my groceries today.’ You might give a donation, pay for someone’s petrol at the check out, give some food or money to someone in need etc.
- 2 Things I like about today’ is a game we used to play at the dinner table when my kids were younger, to teach them about gratitude. We still play it today, every now and then, even though they are giants now. You simply go around the table and each person states 2 things they like from the day. You can also state something that bothered you, but then you match it with another thing you are grateful for, to keep your mind in peace. This game is also an awesome conversation starter and a great way to learn more about your family’s day.
If you are not sure about the power of gratitude and feel a little skeptical, why not give it a go for a week and see how you go? What have you got to lose?
– Coach Terri