Rather than just a social nicety or momentary sentiment, practicing gratitude shifts our focus from toxic emotions and beliefs and rewires our brain. Gratitude has been linked to better mental and physical health, improved sleep, and self-esteem.
How can gratitude help us improve and maintain our mental health?
This article details the results of consistently practicing gratitude and the lasting effects it has on the brain. These practices not only serve to guard existing mental health but can also be an instrumental component in treating depression and anxiety.
Here are three action steps that you can take:
- Write at least one message of gratitude a day. The benefits of writing the message are maintained whether you send it to the person you wrote about or not. The daily practice is meant to shift your focus away from toxic thoughts and towards an awareness of the meaningful connections in your life.
- Write out the things that you are grateful for about yourself. These elements are a crucial weapon against recurring self-negative thoughts. Whenever those thoughts appear, refute them with gratitude. Not only does this reinforce a healthy self-image but it also reprograms the brain by de-valuing those critical thoughts and beliefs.
- Don’t give up. The benefits of writing gratitude letters or keeping a gratitude journal take time to appear. Trust the process. Even if you don’t feel the benefits immediately, developing gratitude as a practice will start a snowball effect of positivity that will continue to grow the longer you pursue it.