LepidoliteMoon's Guide to Practicing Gratitude

GRATITUDE / 'gratitjuid / (noun)

The quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for & to return kindness.

WHAT IS GRATITUDE?

Gratitude is strongly & consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve health, deal with adversity & build strong relationships.

gratitude causes synchronised activation in multiple brain regions & lights up parts of the brain's reward pathways & the hypothalamus i.e. gratitude can boost neurotransmitter serotonin & activate the brain stem to produce dopamine (the brain's pleasure chemical).

3 KEYS TO PRACTICING GRATITUDE

1) EMOTE: FEEL THE EMOTIONS

2) EXTEND: GIVE GRATITUDE TO INCLUDE OTHERS/PAY IT FORWARD

3) EXPERIENCE: SPEND TIME DAILY PRACTICING GRATITUDE

But, you're possibly thinking what are some ways that you can practice gratitude? Well here's 3 ideas that are also fairly inexpensive. 1) Each day find 3 things you're thankful for, 2) Start a gratitude journal: an excellent self-therapy tool that a lot of therapists recommend & 3) Give meditation a try. I've included a basic & free download to help you start practicing.

gratitude page

.pdf

Download PDF • 25KB

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICING GRATITUDE?

How does 10 benefits sound for starters...

1) Improves self-esteem

2) Improves energy & health

3) Makes us happier & more optimistic

4) More resilient & deal better with adversity

5) More generous & forgiving

6) Keeps us in the present moment

7) Be happier & notice the present moment more

8) Lowers stress, anxiety & thoughts

9) Be generous & kind to others ~ improves relationships

10) Provides perspective & helps you look for the good in your life

HOW ABOUT SOME MANTRAS TO GET STARTED...

• I am so happy and grateful for the life I have

• I am beyond blessed that I woke up today healthy and strong

• I am grateful I know my self-worth and continue to give myself love and attention every day

• I am so grateful that the universe is working for my greater good

• I am grateful for this beautiful day

• Today I will embody an attitude of gratitude

• I am grateful for who I am

• I am overflowing with happiness, joy and gratitude

So, tell us in the comments, are you going to try any of this way of thinking, or are you already a follower?