Stress and Gratitude

Everybody knows what stress is, but it is hard to talk about right? We all have very different ideas and?definitions of stress and there isn’t a single unifying definition in the literature. In Eastern philosophies, stress is considered the absence of inner peace; in Western culture, it is considered the loss of control.

Stress is problematic because it is ambiguous. Stress definitions differ, and stressors vary, affecting people’s minds and bodies differently. Research has demonstrated significant variability in perceptions and responses to potentially stressful events.

Let’s blend eastern philosophy and western culture and say that stress is feeling out of control instead of inner peace. Inner peace is directly affected by how you view the world around you, and one way to reduce stress is through gratitude. Our brain cannot be stressed out and grateful at the same time. Practicing gratitude allows you to view the world from a different perspective. Consistent practice will enable us to cultivate attitudes that support serenity and focus on the positive. Over time, a person’s attitude will shift from negative to positive.

Gratitude is an attitude, and we can choose to change our patterns to support our new attitude. We can instill habits every day that improve our quality of life. Humans are wired to think about all the bad things that will, can, and did happen. But we can choose to remain in a state of gratitude. Developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve happiness and satisfaction with life.

Gratitude improves physical, psychological, and mental health, and reduces a multitude of toxic emotions. There is a direct link between gratitude and well-being. It effectively increases self-esteem, and happiness, and reduces depression.

Cultivating gratitude doesn’t cost any money, and it certainly doesn’t take much time, but the benefits are enormous. Use gratitude techniques like this during times of stress. Implementing a gratitude practice is a great way to savor good experiences and remember all the good things in your life. Simply take a few moments to focus on all that you have – rather than complain about all the things you think you deserve.?

Stress Facts:

74% of all illnesses are chronic, and the biggest cause of chronic illness is stress, and the biggest cause of stress is work. 90% of all visits to healthcare providers are stress-related. In the U.S., 83% of workers suffer from work-related stress, with 25% saying their job is the number one stressor in their lives, and roughly 7 in 10 workers are struggling or suffering in their overall lives. Nearly 50% of the U.S. population has one or more chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, obesity, cancer, or diabetes. In addition to the 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older affected by mental illnesses like anxiety disorders and depression. Many of these diseases and illnesses are preventable.

Gratitude Practice:

? Get a list, journal, or diary

? Count your blessing with your prayers

? Write gratitude letters to friends, family, and those who inspire you

? Gratitude Jar

Takeaway

Whether you choose to write a few sentences in a gratitude journal or simply take a moment to silently acknowledge all you have, giving thanks for the simple things can transform your life. Gratitude may be one of the most overlooked stress management techniques we all have access to every day.

Related Sources:

Practicing Gratitude Daily

Stress Management Tip: Gratitude - No Man is an Island

Stress Management Tip: Gratitude as a Lens