Weekly Insight: Gratitude

Several years ago, I worked at a job with an hour's commute in traffic each way. I would often get to work stressed from traffic, crazy from drivers I encountered, and often late or just on time for appointments.

A friend suggested I take the time every morning while driving to think of my day in terms of what exciting things were going to happen, and on the way home, think of three things that I was grateful for that had occurred during the day. 

I found very quickly that using my time to think of the positive put me in a better frame of mind for work; I felt so much better, more creative, and more productive. 

Later, I learned to practice journaling and wrote a gratitude journal every night. In the morning, I would read what I had written in the evening, which helped me be positive in my new day. 

Gratitude is the number one characteristic that correlates to well-being and profoundly affects mental and physical health.

Practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, fostering a more positive outlook on life. It encourages a focus on positive experiences, which can improve overall mood.

Expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships by fostering feelings of closeness and connection. It can also improve communication and increase mutual respect and appreciation.

Grateful individuals tend to be more resilient in the face of adversity. Recognizing and appreciating the good aspects of life can provide a buffer against stress and help people cope more effectively with challenges.

Regularly acknowledging the things you are thankful for can lead to an increase in happiness and life satisfaction. It shifts your focus from what may be missing to what is present that you appreciate.

Grateful people often experience better physical health. They may have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and fewer symptoms of illness.

Practicing gratitude, especially before bedtime, can improve sleep quality. It reduces negative thoughts and promotes relaxation, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

Gratitude can enhance empathy and reduce aggression, making individuals less likely to retaliate against others, even when provoked.

Grateful people are more likely to appreciate their own achievements and those of others.

Do you make this a practice in your life? 

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- Leslie