When was the last time you considered what aspects of your life you’re thankful for? Practise a mindful gratitude habit and reap the mental and physical benefits.
Tips on growing your gratitude
- Be balanced in your practice. You don’t need to turn into a Pollyanna – it’s unrealistic to expect you’re going to feel totally thankful all the time. Acknowledge some days are harder than others and when the big things are a struggle, look for the little things.
- Start small. Notice the people around you who are completing tasks that make your day easier or better. Say thank you to your barista, bus driver, and colleagues.
- Disrupt negative thought patterns. Retraining your brain to remember the good times and be more grateful goes hand in hand with acknowledging when you’re falling back into old habits. If you find yourself slipping into a negative mindset, take a few moments to consider what’s positive about your situation.
- Start taking compliments. Too many people deflect praise by shifting the compliment to someone else or brushing it aside. When someone compliments you, say thank you and let yourself enjoy the praise. It could make a great entry in your gratitude diary later!
This article was originally published in Issue 2 – New Beginnings. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
Need to release tension before you can focus on gratitude? Learn how to relax with body scan meditation.
