“I don’t want to be a more grateful, happier person,” said no one ever. For the last 670 days, I’ve been practicing gratitude. Here’s what I found…
The practice was recommended to me by a friend using the Five-minute Gratitude Journal though I modified it slightly and made it my own (you can download it for free at the end of this post—it’s my Thanksgiving gift to you).
In 670 days of gratitude, here is what I’ve noticed.
Why Gratitude Works
#1 – Gratitude Refocuses You
For many, our minds tend to gravitate toward the negative: fear, cynicism, and the ominous. Gratitude refocuses us on the good things we often overlook in our lives.
Rather than starting the day from a deficit, gratitude helps us start the day with a surplus.
Being grateful allows you to see things from a place of abundance, gives you clear sight, and differentiates you from the crowd.
Perspicacity is a noun that means “acute mental vision or discernment, or having or showing keen understanding. It also means to be “clear-sighted” or “to see through.”
I believe gratitude gives us perspicacity.
Warning: that doesn’t mean we need to constantly point out the silver lining when someone else is hurting, frustrated, or angry! Bringing it up in those moments can seem trite and condescending when what’s most needed is a listening ear.
#2 – Gratitude Makes You Happier & Healthier
The benefits of gratitude are well documented for everything from better relationships to improved physical and mental health. Here are just a few:
- Psychological benefits – more aware and awake, increased self-satisfaction, and enhanced mood i.e. you’ll be happier!
- Physical benefits – strong immune system, better sleep-wake cycles, and fewer body pains and aches.
- Social benefits – more empathy, better communication, and stronger relationships.
#3 – Gratitude Rewires Your Brain
Just as animals trample down pathways through the woods, repeated thoughts do the same thing in our brains. This makes it easier for our thoughts to move or flow in a particular direction. This is good and bad because it works for negative and positive thoughts alike.
The good news is we now know our brain is “plastic.” In other words, it can be shaped, molded, and altered. It takes some work to “rewire” our brains but it is possible. How do we do it?
By replacing harmful, negative, or false thoughts with helpful, positive, and true thoughts.
Gratitude is one way to do this with direct benefits to our brain:
- Enhances dopamine and serotonin (the happiness hormones)
- Reduces fear and anxiety by regulating the stress hormones
- Fosters cognitive restructuring
What Are You Waiting For?
With that many benefits, you may be asking yourself, How can I afford NOT to start a daily gratitude practice?
After 670 days of practicing gratitude, I can ask with some authority, what are you waiting for?
Get the Practicing Gratitude Daily Page for Free!
It’s my gift to you.
Happy Thanksgiving,
*Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
