Gratitude – the great stress reducer

Recognizing what we are grateful for is one of the fastest ways to ease stress. That’s surprising, isn’t it? I’m sure most of us say “Thank you” to others or “I appreciate that. Thanks.” All of us are thankful and show it in different ways in our day. But gratitude is actually different than thankfulness. Similar, but different. Gratitude is the next level of being thankful. And what I said earlier about recognizing what we are grateful for, I meant consciously thinking and meditating on the many things we should have gratitude for.

For a condensed video version of this information, click this link https://youtu.be/cLz_-tNkYAo

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL

Thankfulness is an external reaction or behavior towards what or who gave you assistance. You are thankful for it and life goes on. That’s not diminishing our thankfulness, but that’s all there is to it. It’s for a short period of time.

Gratefulness on the other hand, is longer lasting. It goes deeper than the momentary act of being thankful. It’s showing appreciation that’s ongoing long after the feeling of thankfulness has ended.

For example, you’re thankful you made it to work on time or safely. But you’re grateful you have a job and it provides you with the necessities of life. Yes, it’s a deeper feeling.

HOW GRATITUDE FIGHTS STRESS AND WINS

Stress is a big contender to deal with. And it’s everywhere. Excess stress really beats up our health and well-being in all areas, physically, mentally, and emotionally. For more specifics on its effects, see my article “Why You Should Reduce Your Stress”. Therapists have recommended gratitude journaling for everyone but especially those with stress, anxiety, depression, adhd and obsessive compulsive disorder. Why gratitude for mental health?

Gratitude has the capability to counteract the effects of stress by…

❤️Lowering the hormone cortisol

❤️Focusing your mind on the present (aka mindfulness)

❤️Giving you optimism, which gives you a better perspective on yourself and life in general

❤️Promoting contentment

❤️And so much more

That’s a big blow to stress, causing it to shrink back in response to your efforts of gratitude. Let’s find out how to do that.

HOW EXACTLY CAN WE HAVE GRATITUDE

To have gratitude we take a few minutes to think about what we have that enriches our lives or makes us a better person. Think of what provides us with the life we have. What do we have that brings us true inner happiness and enjoyment. And why do all these different things make a difference in our lives. That sounds very deep, but it can be as simple as seeing that you have beautiful nature to look at every day. That could be your garden, your landscape, mountains, forests, ocean, lake or river. You could be like me and really appreciate the flavor of your favorite coffee, tea or beverage.

This kind of thinking and focus takes effort, and for most people some prompting or assistance on what to write is needed, until you get the hang of it. Practicing gratitude daily helps it to get easier. Here are some things that are very helpful in recognizing gratitude daily.

• Gratitude Journal

Jotting down some things you are grateful for helps to get you going. You can write one thing or many.

• Positive Affirmations

Saying one positive phrase about yourself can make you think of other positive aspects of your life and be grateful for them.

• Mindfulness

Staying in the moment in a positive environment helps you to focus on the good that’s happening to you. Thus, giving you an optimistic view of yourself and life. That leads to being able to focus on what you have to be grateful for.

We can get started right now by thinking of one thing you are grateful for. Here we go…

ME: “I am grateful that I can share my knowledge and expertise to help others who want to reduce their stress and feel better.” (Yours can be much simpler.)

 It truly brings me much pleasure to help others in such a beneficial way.

Okay, your turn…

YOU: I am grateful________________________

For some of the tools mentioned above, please take a look at some I have provided on my Etsy Store (just click the image):

For more information on mindfulness and how to do it, take a look at the article Mindfulness

You can have gratitude and reduce your stress by just taking a few minutes a day. Yes, in 5 to 10 minutes you can reduce your stress today and enjoy feeling better.