Each year around this time, we start to hear more about gratitude. After all, Thanksgiving is a time for being thankful. But having an “attitude of gratitude” shouldn’t be limited to just the month of November. Practicing gratitude is something we can do every day. It serves as a reminder that even on difficult days, we still have reasons to be grateful for what we do have. And when we make time in our day to consciously practice gratitude and count our blessings, we can improve our mental health.
Does practicing daily gratitude seem out of reach? It doesn’t have to be. It can be as simple as carving out 5 minutes when you wake up or right before bed to write down three things you are thankful for that day. And it helps to be as specific as possible. When you do this consistently for 6 months, it can rewire your brain. Multiple studies have documented the marked improvement in a person’s mental health when they make a conscious effort to practice gratitude. It comes down to neuroplasticity – the concept that our brains are “bendable” and able to change. When we practice daily gratitude, we can create new, more positive neural pathways – thus rewiring our brain. Over time, these changes can lead to increased feelings of happiness and reduced stress. And wouldn’t that be something to be thankful for!
When you’re writing down what you’re thankful for, it doesn’t have to be for big, grand things. Being grateful for the small things in your life – like a sunny day after a streak of gloomy weather or the laughter of loved ones in the next room – is just as important. Practicing daily gratitude is about finding the things that bring you a sense of peace and joy and being thankful for them.
If you are looking for a way to boost your mental health, practicing gratitude can be an easy and free place to start. The key is to be patient. The changes to your brain won’t happen overnight. But even after just a few weeks, you should start to notice some marked improvements in your mood. Making time for daily gratitude can help us to reset and recharge. It’s a simple way to be kind to your mind.