Say Thanks - Gratitude

Say Thanks - Gratitude

Gratitude is good for your health and mental well-being. When you focus on what you don't have, this makes you feel dissatisfied. When you are grateful, you naturally feel more content with the way things are. Simply noticing the good things in your life can help you to feel uplifted - and the more you practise this the easier it becomes. Look for ways to say thank you everyday. Here are some practical ways you can increase your gratitude.

Three thoughts

Every night, write down three small things you are grateful for - such as sunny weather or a chat with a friend. Let yourself experience the happy feeling that is gratitude.

Gratitude jar

Choose a nice big jar and whenever you feel grateful for something write it on a small piece of paper and put it in the jar. Then, when you need a boost, pick a piece of paper out of the jar, read it, remember the joy of that moment.

Embrace challenges

Be thankful for the difficulties in your life. Although they may be hard in the moment, challenges offer an opportunity to become more self-aware and as a result choose ways of being that create more space for joy.

Notice what you have

When you feel unhappy or dissatisfied, try listing all the positive things in your life. Try counting five things on the fingers of one hand right now.

Be in nature

Experiencing nature helps us feel calmer. Wherever you are, appreciate its beauty; a flower, a tree, or the sky. Whenever you get a chance, take a walk in the countryside, enjoying every step.

Giving thanks

You may be saying "thank you" many times a day without paying attention. Notice when you thank someone next time. Take the time to look at the person and let yourself feel your appreciation.

Rewire your brain

You can change the habit of complaining. Whenever you catch yourself wishing to moan about something trivial, stop and think of something good in that situation or the person involved.