It’s Time To Give Thanks
It is the season. That time of year when we give thanks. Which really means we indulge in a food fest leading to a food coma, waking on occasion to see the Lions disappoint us for another year. (For my non Detroit fans, please take my word for it.)
Well this year will be different. This year the Lions will win. Heck, we are winning even when we try not to win. Oh, and we should be thankful for more than the game and the food.
Let’s expand the thankful thought into that of gratitude. Thankfulness is often felt as a response to a particular event - game, turkey and pilgrims maybe. Gratitude is a much broader expression of an appreciation of life. To cultivate a fully authentic positive mindset, we should practice both thankfulness and gratitude. It can take us beyond Turkey Day. I like where this is going.
In the field of positive psychology, gratitude prioritizes the appreciation for the gifts and opportunities that life has offered us and we have accepted. The practice of gratitude can make us happ(ier), improve our mental health and have a positive affect on our overall well-being.
Research has shown (gotta have some research) that being grateful contributes to positive emotions, less depression, deeper enjoyment of experiences, increased ability to navigate difficult circumstances, better health and stronger relationships. This run on sentence could have kept running. Yes, gratitude is that good.
Gratitude is totally free, has zero side effects and may be one of the best wonder drugs available.
Gratitude does not mean we ignore difficult situations pretending all is good. Or go all Pollyanna which I have been accused of by members of my family whose names I won’t mention, although I will say there is a reason we don’t buy the non-stick spray from the 70’s (inside joke will be appreciated by family friends). No, it is simply a clear acknowledgment of both good and bad, optimizing to look at and focus on the good when we need it most.
So how do we up our gratitude game. Here are a few thoughts from the experts:
Reframe: My job sucks today. Well at least I have a job. (I don’t feel this way. This is just a common example.)
Look for small moments for gratitude. My coffee tastes so much better on cold rainy days.
Journal: Have you heard of a gratitude journal? Nothing fancy, just grateful scribbles.. Reflect on something you can be grateful for - warm coffee, blue sky, loving family, supportive friend, and you are still breathing. We can always find something for which to be grateful.
Gratitude Walk: OK, I made this one up. But I kinda like it. Go for a walk, preferably outside. Focus thoughts of what you have to be grateful for. I just did this. A twenty minute Gratitude Walk. I liked it.
Gratitude is an elixir we can grab at any time. The more we take, the richer life will be. It is more than just a “nice to have”- it is a scientifically supported way to boost well-being, improve health, and foster fulfilling relationships. By making gratitude a habit, we can transform our mindset, bolster our resilience, and find greater joy in the present. So let’s take time to practice gratitude and experience the life-changing effects of simply being thankful.
Enjoy your day.
Just a little extra-
The science of gratitude- for those who want to know (non-stick spray person mentioned above is out):
Gratitude activates several key areas of the brain, including the medial cortex, which is associated with decision-making, and the hypothalamus, which regulates functions like stress, sleep, and metabolism. When we practice gratitude, our brain releases two powerful neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin. These are the same “feel-good” chemicals boosted by antidepressants and activities like exercise.
So yes, expressing gratitude biologically makes us feel happier and more satisfied.
Let’s do this!
References
Lebowitz-Rossi, Holly. Gratitude vs Thankfulness: The Big Difference. Guideposts
Lipman, Frank. February 5, 2024. 9 Ways to Develop An Attitude of Gratitude