How a Grateful Attitude Makes You Happy
Research shows that practicing gratitude boosts energy, inspires optimism, and encourages
getting out of your comfort zone, and creates more social interactions that combine to
create a happier and more satisfying life.
Inspires Positivity
When you stop and reflect on the things that you are grateful for, you stop anger,
negativity, and stress in its tracks. When you focus on things that make you
happy, you naturally relax your brain and release chemicals that make you feel
better. A better mood allows you to perform at your best and make more
responsible choices.
Improves Relationships
As you stop and reflect, you highlight moments in your life you never want to
take for granted. In turn, increasing your relationships, and you take the time to
only focus on them and nothing else.
Leads to A Healthier Life
Reducing and preventing stress leads to a longer and healthier life. Daily high
levels of cortisol can lead to many mental and physical health problems that can
hinder your ability to do the things that make you happy. Being grateful can act
as an instant stress reliever as you highlight the things that bring you value and
happiness.
Increases Your Self-Worth
When you think about the things you are most grateful for, It gives you a chance
to experience the bigger picture and gain a new perspective about yourself and
your abilities. It allows you to highlight your accomplishments to feel a sense of
pride, growing your self-esteem and confidence, allowing you to continue growing
your skills and try new things to grow.
Improves Ability to Handle Challenges
A grateful attitude gives you the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with or
cope with irritation or difficult situations. It allows you to work better with others
and be more patient as you understand and focus on the bigger picture. For
example, focusing on how grateful you are to have a job you love can make it
easier to deal with annoying coworkers.
To practice gratitude, start each morning by reflecting on one simple thing you
are thankful for. Simply ask yourself, “What brings me the most happiness?” and
reflect on all the reasons why.
Always say “thank you” when others help you, no matter how small. It’s
incredible how good it makes you feel, but it also helps them too. When you
return the favor and spread kindness, it always ensures that those around you
feel valued, increasing your gratitude, releasing those good hormones, and
ultimately making you feel happier.
II. QUOTES FROM OTHERS
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that
gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
Gilbert Keith Chesterton KC*SG was an English writer, philosopher, lay
theologian, and literary and art critic. He has been referred to as the
“prince of paradox”.
“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on
your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
Charles John Huffam Dickens FRSA was an English writer and social
critic. He created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters and
is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.
Source: inc.com/wikipedia.com
III. A QUESTION FOR YOU
What’s a hard lesson that you were grateful to learn?
