The Benefits of Gratitude

We are often taught that it is polite to thank people for things they have given us, but expressing gratitude is about more than verbally saying “thank you very much”.

Gratitude is a two-fold concept, noticing there is goodness or enjoyment and acknowledging its existence or how it came to be.

We may find it easy to express thanks for gifts or actions but to have an attitude of gratitude is to deeply appreciate positivity in our experiences. Gratitude can encourage positive perspectives, assist in maintaining relationships, increase positive emotions, and foster a sense of fulfillment or satisfaction.

Try some of the tips below to create an attitude of gratitude:

When acknowledging gratitude about something, notice the emotion that follows and observe how that feels in your body, to familiarize yourself with positive feelings.

Elaborating on ‘thank you’, verbalise to others exactly what you are grateful for i.e. “Thank you for organizing our dinner” or “I appreciate you attending this appointment with me”

Affirming your capabilities, verbalizing appreciation for your body after sickness, or for your continued patience towards a tricky customer at work

Show appreciation to loved ones with actions of gratitude i.e. doing a task they don’t enjoy, spending quality time with them, or creating a gift that speaks to their interests.

Keeping a gratitude journal, regularly writing down, and reflecting on things you are thankful for can create a habit of noticing goodness.