Gratitude is quite the buzz word these days isn't it? It's easy to say "I'm grateful" but what does a gratitude practice actually do for us, why should we adopt one and how do we start?
The word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness or gratefulness depending on the context. Gratitude can really encompass all of these meanings in some ways. When we have gratitude, we are acknowledging the good in our lives and showing appreciation for those things (it doesn't matter how big or small). Being grateful allows people to connect to something larger than themselves, whether that be on a spiritual level, their personal growth, relationships or as being a part of the joint human experience on this Earth.
Research has shown time and time again that people who consistently show gratitude are not only happier, but they are actually healthier as well.
Having gratitude keeps us centered on the here and now and what we have, instead of always looking for the things that will make us happier, better, and more successful (which is just a cycle that continues once we get or achieve the next thing... we seem to never be content). Gratitude brings the focus back inward and allows us to be more present.
Some of the benefits of starting a gratitude practice:
- Improved mental health
- Improved relationships
- Increased sense of optimism (positive outlook on life)
- Improved quality of sleep
- Better emotional regulation
- Reduced stress
- Increasing sense of resiliency
Save and print the template here for a quick way to start your gratitude practice today, or check out our journals here!
