Find out the psychological benefits of starting a gratitude practice.

Many of us have heard someone tell us, “Look on the bright side” before.  Sometimes this statement can feel like the message they’re trying to send us is, “Your problems aren’t really that bad.”  The underlying message that you’re exaggerating your problems or wallowing in self-pity can certainly feel rejecting and induce a shame response. 

Instead, the actual practice of gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring your problems or telling yourself that other people have it much worse so why be bothered by the issues you’re dealing with.  What gratitude actually means is acknowledging the problems you have in your life but making an intentional, deliberate step of also acknowledging the positive things you have in your life as well.  The dictionary’s definition of gratitude is really quite beautiful: “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”  So, while simply the message, “Look on the bright side” can rub people the wrong way, the actual practice of gratitude has some very real benefits. 

Gratitude leads to:

1) Improved relationships

When we thank others in our life for the things we do for us, it spreads a message of graciousness, making others feel appreciated, and even more likely to continue to reciprocate kindness in the relationship.

2) Better health

Research shows that when people practice gratitude, they report fewer aches and pains.  Not only that, but they are more likely to take proactive steps to maintaining their physical health, like regular check-ups with their doctor.

3) More balanced emotions

Gratitude exercises are shown to reduce depression symptoms and improve overall happiness levels.  Not only that, but it’s a tangible tool to combat negative emotions we all feel such as envy, frustration, and regret.

4) Restorative sleep

We’re all striving to get the best sleep we can, right?  Believe it or not, but building in even a brief daily gratitude practice leads to more consistent and restful sleep. 

5) Greater self-esteem

By focusing on gratitude, this leads to reducing how many social comparisons we make.  Instead of focusing on those who have bigger houses, better cars, or more financial freedom than us, by focusing on what we already have to be grateful for, this can naturally lead to greater self-esteem.

6) A more resilient personality

When you have built a practice of gratitude, even when the worst happens in your life, you are more likely to be able to persevere through traumatic or unexpected events.  Your personality becomes more and more resilient when you have learned to focus on gratitude in the face of obstacles in life. 

Always remember, like with anything new, beginning a gratitude practice is easiest when we set small, achievable goals.  Perhaps starting with writing down one thing you’re grateful for each day could be an easy way to start.  Or make it a family practice.  Share around the dinner table with your family what each of you are grateful for that day.  The more we build gratitude into a natural part of our day, the easier it is to have it become a routine practice. 

For help with gratitude and how to persevere through life’s trying moments, Wellspring Women’s Counseling is here to support your journey.