by Megan Bergfeld, LCSW
In tumultuous times like these, negativity, fear, anxiety, and depression are common. Our view of humanity gets skewed. The world starts to feel so very dark. But, good things still exist. A daily gratitude practice can help us turn the light back on.
What is gratitude? “The quality of being thankful.”
An internet search for “psychological benefits of gratitude” yielded 15,200,000 results. Clearly, this is a topic of interest for the wellness industry, and for good reason. Developing an “attitude of gratitude” (as one of my elementary teachers called it) can have positive effects on individual well-being, overall happiness, relationships, and our physical health.
There are many ways to practice gratitude. It starts by noticing the people, places, or things in our lives that keep us moving – anything, big or small. A common exercise is to write down 3 things you are grateful for every day – keep a journal, a note in your phone, a “gratitude wall” covered in post-it notes (my personal favorite), whatever floats your boat. Write them down and say “thank you” to each one.
Thanksgiving season is a great launchpad for this, but don’t stop there. The key is consistency. The more we practice looking for the good, the easier it is to find.
Today I am grateful for my kids, changing leaves, and coffee. How about you?
Would you like support developing your own gratitude practice? Call Work/Life Connections – EAP to schedule your free and confidential appointment today at 615-936-1327.
