The Power of Gratitude
The implementation of daily gratitude practices can take you to the next level. Have you ever heard of lucky girl syndrome? It’s real. Those who focus on the best of their days train their brain to feel lucky which in return causes good things to come back. Since I have practiced incorporating gratitude into my life, I have seen so many positive changes. Before you read this blog, make sure you are ready for all the good things you want in life. Below are the reasons I started practicing gratitude and what it has done for me.
Improved Self-esteem
When you focus your attention and divert your energy to the good and positives in life, you begin to notice that you will start feeling better about yourself. Doing this consistently over time shifts attention away from negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy. This can also foster stronger social connections which results in a sense of belonging. When you start to focus on the good in life, whether consciously or unconsciously, that energy turns into power and ultimately improves the way you view and think about yourself.
Increased Resilience
People who practice gratitude are much more likely to display resilience in the face of hardships and diversity due to their nature of seeing the positive in things. Practicing gratitude is a great way to remain and be grounded, which in turn can allow you to approach and handle spontaneous situations better. I have noticed a drastic perseverance-related change since implementing gratitude practices into my life. Before, small things used to bother me very easily. Although they still do, I try to distract myself with 3 good things happening in my life. It is like rewiring your brain. Bad things are going to happen, it's inevitable for anyone. It’s how you react to bad times that makes you special.
Better Health
Due to being grounded and the other benefits of gratitude practices, it is proven that individuals who practice gratitude often have better immunity and higher chances of better sleep. It is a two-for-one benefit when something that can improve your state of being and headspace is directly linked to health benefits as well. From someone who suffers from anxiety especially at night, practicing gratitude has helped me sleep better. I actually look forward to writing in my journal at night and in the morning. It makes me think the best thoughts on the day to come so in return instead of fearing over what I have due the next day, I focus on what I can’t wait to complete.
Increase Creativity
Those who are grateful and optimistic are more prone to being creative as gratitude encourages alternative ways of thinking. Gratitude allows you to view things differently, and in addition to this again, grounds you, which can allow for your brain juices to flow more freely as you can utilize your thoughts and brain to your full potential better when you focus on the positives of life. For me, this has been a huge success in my day to day activities. I work in marketing so it is really important for me to stay creative and always think outside of the box. Since I started using my gratitude journal I genuinely have seen an increase in work productivity. It has opened my mind and makes me feel lighter which has resulted in better ideas!
These are a few of many reasons why you too should start practicing gratitude if you haven't already begun, and linked below is one of my favorite journals that has allowed me to do so and reap the mentioned positive benefits! Life is short and we should enjoy what we have, practicing gratitude is the best way to start!
