“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” -Zig Ziglar
If you are looking to increase your happiness level these days, you are not alone. Trying times can be difficult to navigate and negative thoughts can often attract other negative thoughts. Many times, we often feel as though we are “in our heads.” Thankfully, the practice of gratitude can help us shift our mindset to gain clarity, help us remain optimistic, can boost our well-being and can even reduce our trips to the doctor. Plain and simple, gratitude is good medicine! Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
Here are three mindful ways to keep the gratitude flowing:
1. Look for gratitude everywhere
Gratitude presents itself everywhere once you start focusing on it. Every day our lives are made easier because of things we may have forgotten to appreciate. The gift of the internet allows you to read this article and the device you’re reading it on, makes it all possible. While thanking the internet, our cell phones and our computers may seem odd and simplistic, where would we be without the little things in life? You can find countless things that made your life better today when you learn to concentrate on them.
2. Practice gratitude every day
We wouldn’t expect to be in the best shape of our lives if we didn’t work out and we can’t expect to have gratitude unless we first practice it. Studies show that we are able to rewire our brains by training our minds to focus on the positives. Set time aside each day to reflect on all of the things you have. When you find yourself off course or discouraged, simply pause and make a gratitude list. You may wish to sit quietly for a few minutes in the morning or as you put a close to the day. To create the daily habit, you can even use a gratitude journal to focus on all the greatness your life has to offer.
3. Discover gratitude in difficult times
During uncertain times, it’s inevitable that we will feel uneasy, fearful, or muddled with anxiety. Remember it is often during these times where growth is found. Difficult seasons can bring forth immeasurable lessons transforming us into the person we are meant to be. Remember, adversity bears the fruit of resiliency and tenacity. May you always appreciate every single day, more than you did the day before.