How an attitude of gratitude improves the world and you!
It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.
Maybe someone’s told you ‘happiness is a choice’ – turns out it might be more accurate to say that happiness is a habit. And one of the best ways to develop it is to practise gratitude. This means taking time to notice the things in your life, big or little, that you’re thankful for. Scientists have found that this kind of self-reflection can help you manage stress, feel more alert, sleep better, increase happiness, build mental resilience – all from reflecting on the good things in your life.
Some days being thankful will come easily because you’ve had fun or something nice has happened, but when you’re having a tough day, it can be hard to find the positives, so we’ve included 3 essential tips and tricks on how you can build an attitude of gratitude.
3 Essential Tips to Building Gratitude
1. What do you like about yourself?
Begin by reflecting on your good qualities – they can be anything from being funny to having fun playing a sport, excelling at schoolwork, being supportive of your friends, enjoying art, being interested in science. Whatever they might be, your positive attributes are a reflection of all the ways you can bring gratitude and optimism into the world. This is a way to say thanks to yourself!
2. See your impact on the world when you say thanks.
It might sound unfair to begin with but if you’re having a tough day, one of the best things you can do is try to brighten someone else’s. You can try giving a friend a compliment, carry something for someone, or just say thanks when you get on and off the bus. When you help the people around you, your brain produces endorphins (the feel-good chemicals that help reduce stress). So funnily enough, helping others will actually help you feel better as well!
3. Make a list of what you’re grateful for.
Now it’s time to really think about what you’re thankful for. If you don’t know where to begin, you can start as big or small as you need. Write down your answers and when you complete the list, say thanks by treating yourself to at least one thing you’ve written down.
