Gratitude has so many benefits, both physical and mental. And it seems like it should be so simple to find gratitude; however, it can actually be quite difficult! It can take lots of work and constant reminders, but it is worth it in the end. Read on for some simple tips to help you create a grateful outlook on life.
Write it down
A research scientist asked one group of people to write down things they were grateful for and another group to write down things that annoyed them, for an entire week. Guess which group fared better? The group that wrote about gratitude felt better about their lives, were more optimistic, and even had fewer visits to their doctor.
A ”gratitude journal” can do the same thing – take a few minutes each day to write down what you are grateful for. They don’t have to be huge, momentous events; as a matter of fact, to cultivate gratitude means to be grateful for all of the little things in your life. These can be as simple as being grateful for an unexpected compliment from someone, a spectacular sunset, a good cup of coffee, or the chance to snuggle with your pet.
Other people don’t use a journal – instead, each day they write something they are grateful for on a slip of paper and put the slips in a jar. New Year’s eve is a great time to spill out the slips and look back on all the reasons you have had to be grateful throughout the year.
Tell someone! When you tell someone how grateful you are for their kind words or deeds – or simply how grateful you are that they are a part of your life – you not only cultivate a grateful attitude, but you’ll probably make their day.
Developing an attitude of gratitude might take some time – for many people, it’s not as easy as it sounds. However, the benefits are great, and trying it is so simple. Wasatch Crest Treatment knows how important gratitude is, and what a difference it can make in your life! Call Wasatch Crest in Heber, Utah, at (800) 385-3507.
