The importance of gratitude when times get tough The importance of gratitude when times get tough
Ally Bogard
16 Jan 2019
Stuck at home and tired of your own company? All the uncertainty starting to make you question your life choices? While we can’t immediately fix the chaos in the outside world, it’s good to know that with a slight shift in your own perspective, you can turn mundane, everyday aspects of your life into extraordinary gifts.
How? It all comes down to gratitude. Cultivating gratitude is one of the most effective ways to alter your mood, positively impact your physical health and move from a state of worry, doubt and missing out to feeling fulfilled and worthy.
When we get stuck obsessing over what isn't working, what isn't enough, and how we aren't enough, it begins to feel like life is working against us. When you switch your attention to experiences, people and things that make you feel appreciative – even for a moment – every part of your body benefits.
There are moments in life where real problems arise and a lot is asked of us. But in regular day-to-day moments, if we are able to adopt a perspective where we seek out the good, what IS working and what we have plenty of, then we will have more energy, more resilience, and a clearer mind. This helps us face those tougher moments with more strength if and when they do arise.
When you switch your attention to experiences, people and things that make you feel appreciative – even for a moment – every part of your body benefits.
Evolution programmed our brains to find faults, problem solve, adapt and survive. This is a remarkable thing... until there’s actually no problem and our minds start creating their own. Is it really a problem that we have last season’s sneakers when our neighbor has the latest release? When we work to find fault in our lives, our bodies or our relationships, it can make everything start to seem like a mountain to climb.
All it takes to switch from problem-based to a more helpful and elevated perspective is placing regular intervals of gratitude throughout your day. It doesn’t have to be a cheesy “#blessed” situation. Try these tips to get yourself into a daily gratitude routine and keep it real:
Right now: Look around the space you’re in and find 5 things you’re grateful for. If it’s difficult, try imagining what life would be like without those things/people/experiences.
During the day: By simply appreciating something, you can make it a wonderful thing. Look how your body just got you down those stairs, the way your eyes sensed the light changing, how modern technology has made the task you’re doing so easy, how well-stocked your pantry is, or simply that you have enough food, air and water to make it through the next week. If you catch yourself comparing to what others have, snap it back to something positive!
Before you go to bed: Appreciate all of the things that ‘worked’ today. What was successful? Where did you make a change, grow or learn? Great job – celebrate those wins, and use them as a platform to feel confident about tomorrow’s challenges.
In your relationships: When you tell someone you love that you appreciate them, feel it and mean it. If there’s someone in your life who doesn’t know how grateful you are for what they have taught you, let them know!
In your body: Feeling the sensation is even more important than thinking the thoughts. Feeling is how we know the brain chemistry of gratitude is up and running. So whenever you need it, squeeze your eyes shut and think of the time you brought your puppy home or saw your favorite band play live and let that excitement run through you again! This kind of energy makes your whole body healthier.
If you’re feeling ready to climb the mountain: Begin and end each day by considering one or two things that are challenging you – situations causing you stress and worry. Stretch your mind to find something you can appreciate in the situation. The aim is to see how these tough moments help you grow more compassion, forgiveness and understanding.
Don’t let the negative aspects of the world dominate your personal perspective. Nurture the positives in your life, acknowledge the wins and focus on a healthy mind – your body will thank you for it.
