Gratitude: Your Secret Ingredient To Being as Happy as a Golden Retriever in a Room Full of Tennis Balls.

Gratitude isn't just a feel-good sentiment; it's a scientifically-backed strategy for enhancing well-being and productivity.

Yes, science approves!🥼

Originating from ancient philosophies and religious teachings, gratitude has evolved into a key focus of modern psychological research. Who knew the secret to happiness was saying 'thanks' more often? *Golden Retriever and tennis balls are optional.

Here's why you should incorporate gratitude into your daily routine:

Boosts Happiness and Reduces Stress:

Studies reveal that gratitude can significantly increase happiness levels. People who regularly express gratitude report higher levels of positive emotions and satisfaction with life. Plus, it reduces stress hormones, which means fewer moments of yelling at your laptop, your kids, passing cars, and people with no peripheral vision... 🚶🏼

Enhances Physical Health:

Gratitude has tangible benefits for physical health. Research from Harvard Medical School indicates that grateful individuals tend to exercise more, have fewer health complaints, and visit the GP less. So be thankful for the 'treadmill clothes horse' you bought on Black Friday, which absolutely, in no way at all, takes up half the sitting room. 🫣

Strengthens Relationships:

Gratitude can improve your interpersonal relationships. Expressing thanks fosters deeper connections and strengthens bonds. According to a study by the University of California, expressing gratitude to a partner or family member can increase relationship satisfaction and trust. Thanks, Bob for emptying the bin...?? 🤔🤔🤔🤨

Increases Resilience:

In challenging times, gratitude acts as a powerful coping mechanism. It helps individuals focus on positive aspects, enhancing resilience and reducing the impact of stress. This mindset shift can lead to better problem-solving and a more optimistic approach to life's challenges. A bit like when you lose your job, think it's the end of the world, then fall in love with freelancing and realise you never need to buy a Secret Santa for someone you hardly know, in Finance! 😁

The Power of Recall and Headwinds:

Reflecting on past positive experiences can amplify the benefits of gratitude. By recalling moments of joy, support, and success, you can reignite those positive feelings in the present. After all, you survived 100% of all your knockbacks so far. Legend! 🦹🏼

Improves Professional Success:

Gratitude in the workplace leads to higher job satisfaction, better performance, and increased productivity. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be engaged and motivated. So, start saying “thanks” to your colleagues but persevere if at first, they think you're being sarcastic. Who, me? 😬

Understanding the Reticular Activating System (RAS):

Previously, I touched on how the Reticular Activating System (RAS) plays a role in filtering our perceptions and can be trained to focus on positive aspects through daily gratitude lists. When you focus on negativity, your RAS will show you more negativity. When you focus on gratitude, your RAS starts highlighting the positives around you.

But let's take this a step further. Focusing on positive aspects around you not only trains your RAS but also takes you out of yourself, making you more conscious of the things and people around you. This heightened awareness fosters a collective connectedness. 🌍

Taking Gratitude to the Next Level:

After consistent practice, you'll see you are surrounded by so many wonderful things. To take your gratitude practice to the next level, step outside yourself and do something for someone else. This deepens your experience of gratitude and further strengthens your sense of connectedness.

When actively contribute to the well-being of others, you amplify the benefits of gratitude. Caring for something or someone not only enriches your life but also fosters a sense of purpose and community. (raise a Golden Retriever!) 🐕🦺

Other Gratitude Practices:

Take a Gratitude Walk: Spend time walking outside and focus on the life around you. Birds, the sky, clouds, rain, sun, sounds, smells.

Express Gratitude to Others: Share your appreciation through kind words, letters, or emails. Strengthening your connections & brings joy to someone else.

Do Something for Others: Extend your gratitude practice by helping someone else; visit a relative, call a friend, or smile at a stranger.

So, let me know what you are grateful for today. Share in the comments below! 😍

#Gratitude #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #Productivity #Success #PositiveThinking #Mindfulness #LinkedInTips #GoldenRetriever #TennisBalls

References:

Positive Psychology

Harvard Health

Mindful

Greater Good Science Centre

HFEH Mind