Gratitude

What if there were a solution to stress that involves nothing more than feeling thankful for the good things in your life? In fact, there is. That solution is called gratitude.

According to research, people who often reflect on what they are thankful for, tend to be more healthy, therefore those who adopt an “attitude of gratitude” as a permanent state of mind experience many health benefits. It has been found that grateful people are more likely to:

• Look after their physical and mental wellbeing

• Engage in more protective health behaviours and maintenance

• Get more regular exercise

• Pursuit a healthier diet

• Have improved mental awareness

• Cope better with stress and daily challenges

• Feel happier and more optimistic

• Avoid problematic physical symptoms

• Have a stronger immune system

• Maintain a brighter view of the future

With that list of benefits, who wouldn’t want to give saying thanks a try? So why don’t you consider integrating practicing gratitude into your daily life and remember that there are so many things you should be grateful for. For example:

1. Your life. While you might take it for granted, it is a gift. So many individuals don’t get to go as far as you did due to conflict, natural disasters, poverty, famine etc, yet you live, you breathe and you continue surviving, being able to dream about your future. Be thankful for that.

2. Your friends and family. Be grateful for their constant support and encouragement, the love they have for you. Think of all the funny memories you have with them, cherish them.

3. Your strength. You’ve lived so long, you’ve come so far. You’ve made it despite heartbreaks, grief and pain, through disappointment and failure. Yet you’re still here, motivated and ready to go. Be grateful for that drag that gets you out of bed in the morning, that keeps you going throughout the day. Be grateful for your strength to face your fears and overcome your troubles.

4. Your mistakes and life lessons. Every mistake you’ve made has helped you grow as a person, moulded you into who you are today and taught you an important lesson. With every lesson you learn, you become more and more experienced than you were yesterday. Be grateful for that.

The following links will help you to recognise little things in life that you can be grateful for. Use the free printables to write your own list of what you want to give thanks for.

You can also make this into a habit and keep a record of your thoughts.