Have you ever felt worried about what might happen in the future? I definitely have. Sometimes thinking about the future can make us feel anxious, but gratitude is there to help us quiet the anxious mind.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is the act of being thankful for the things in our lives. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have or what might go wrong in the future, gratitude helps ground us and appreciate what we do have in the present moment.
How Does Gratitude Help with Anxiety?
When we practice gratitude, it shifts our focus from worrying about the future to feeling good about what’s happening right now. Here’s how it can help:
1. Makes Us Feel Positive: When we think about things we’re thankful for, like our relationships, home, or even accomplishments thus far, it allows us to find the positive and take a much needed step away from the anxiety plaguing us..
2. Reduces Stress: Gratitude helps us feel less stressed because we’re not always thinking about what could go wrong. It reminds us that good things happen too, and they happen often when you start looking!
3. Improves Relationships: When we show appreciation to others, it makes them feel valued too. This can make our relationships stronger and happier, which in turn gives us a boost too because we are not meant to be in a vacuum. Humans are inherently relational beings.
4. Builds Confidence: Being thankful for what we have can make us feel more confident. It reminds us that we are capable of handling challenges and that good things are possible for us.
Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude
Now, let’s talk about a few simple ways you can practice gratitude in your everyday life.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Get a notebook and write down three things you’re grateful for every single day. It could be something simple like spending time in your garden .
- Say Thank You: When someone does something nice for you, say thank you. Say thank you to your coworkers, to the barista, to your spouse, to your children - everyone needs to hear those two words. It shows them that you appreciate their kindness, which sparks something in you both.
- Notice Little Joys: Pay attention to the little things that make you smile, like a sunny day or a funny joke. Take a moment to appreciate them. Nothing is too small. All of those little joys are significant, they are a part of the fabric of your life if you allow them to be.
- Share Your Appreciation: Tell your family and friends, unprompted, why you’re grateful for them. This will strengthen your bond with them, and remind you both how amazing it is to have people in your life right here right now.
Practicing gratitude holds a lot of personal power that can help us feel less anxious about the future. By focusing on the good things in our lives today and expressing gratitude more often, we can feel more at ease in our life.
Comments