Series 1 (5/24) - "The Power of Gratitude"

A week ago, we looked at what chronotype you fall into. Whether you are a Lark, Owl, or somewhere in between, we believe you should consider incorporating gratitude into your daily routine. What if you can't think of anything to be grateful for today? You can always find something to express gratitude for! It's easier than you may think.

Good old-fashioned science has been telling us for years that expressing gratitude is good for both our bodies and minds. There is an incredible wealth of benefits you can reap when you make gratitude a regular part of your daily life. Some of the physical benefits are the development of a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, better sleep, as well as less aches and pains. Mentally, you can have more joy in your life and feel more optimistic. 

Your entire outlook on life changes when you are grateful. Now that is powerful! It is a simple practice with a significant return. Let's dive into how exactly you can practice gratitude in your daily life.

How to Practice Gratitude

So how exactly do you practice gratitude? There's several ways you can reflect on all of the things you can be grateful for. You may find one way more receptive for you than another. Experiment and have fun with the process. However you do it, make it meaningful. You will get the most out of this if you believe what you are saying, so make sure you're telling yourself the truth!

A gratitude journal is a great way to not only recall what you are grateful for, but also reflect on when you are having a bad day. Simply write down a few things you are grateful for. Let's be honest, some days just aren't that great. We may find it hard to find anything to be grateful for besides being able to breathe. You know it's true! On days like this, you can reflect on the previous things you have been grateful for. You may be surprised that some of them can still apply to you, even on those bad days.

We firmly believe in the power of a handwritten journal, and encourage people to find ways not to use their digital devices – yet another way to practice gratitude linked to the previous point on past experiences is the camera roll on your phone. We often take photos of moments that inspire us and give us joy. Maybe the next time you’re having a difficult moment, have a look through your photos. Re-experience those special times from last month or last year.

Another way you can practice gratitude is by performing a mental reflection. One way to do this is to reflect on around three things that you are grateful for in the past day. Take the time to marinate in the experiences and things you are grateful for. Let the positive feelings you have thanks to those experiences seep into the core of your being. Allow them to make a significant impression on you, so you can take those good vibes into the rest of your day and beyond.

We’ve both experienced difficult times – as does any human being! Whether it’s bereavement, other family issues, job security and finance, questions on life purpose – we believe that being grateful, often for the small things – a meal, a conversation, a sunset, breathing freely, reminds us of the miracle of life.

As you move through the coming week, make it a daily habit to think of at least one thing you can be grateful for today. Sometimes it is just a simple Thank You to be the people around you. This will help you shift your state of consciousness and see things from a more positive perspective. Remember, there is always something to be grateful for ... always!