Research has shown that people with a grateful heart and mindset are happier people in general. Gratitude helps us to focus on and take the positive emotions through our experiences and days, it can improve our physical and mental health, mend and build relationships, and be over-joyed by already positive experiences. That sounds lovely doesn't it?
I'm sure you've heard the phrases; "attitude of gratitude" or "practice gratitude." The thing is if it were that easy, we would all do it and, according to research, be happier people. So what's the hang up? Well, simply put it's because our human brains have a natural tendency to hold onto negative thoughts and experiences - essentially, hardwired to dwell upon the negative, which is often referred to as negative bias. However, that doesn't mean we have to lean into the negative or that we can't retrain our brain. That's where the art of practicing gratitude comes in.
4 Ways to Express Gratitude:
1) WRITE IT DOWN - Keeping a gratitude journal is a super simple way to retrain the brain to focus on the positive. At minimum you should write down one thing you're grateful for each day. Remember they don't have to be monumental or earth shattering. This is literally ANYTHING that brings you joy.
2) LISTEN UP - When you listen and pay attention to others when they are speaking it's not only the respectful thing to do, but it's a sign of gratitude. They should feel heard and that can make all the difference in them feeling validated and understood.
3) NO COMPLAINING - Another hard one with our negative bias, but when we complain we just reinforce that negativity. Think before complaining. Is there a solution (the answer is yes, you just have to think about it)? Slow yourself down, think of something positive, feel through it, and breathe!
4) DO UNTO OTHERS - I'm not going to quote scripture here, we've all heard it. The point is to be respectful to others and pay it forward whenever and however we can. An act of kindness goes a long way. It doesn't matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may seem to you, I promise the act of kindness can have as much, if not more, impact on you than the recipient of your kindness.
Some people find aromatherapy extremely beneficial in helping them alter their mindset and/or mood. Here are a couple diffuser blends and a roller bottle blend, great for on-the-go, to help you tune into being more grateful. Each one has an affirmation statement on it as well that you can use to help anchor in those feelings of gratitude.
In my opinion you have to have some form of mindfulness to have gratitude, or at least when you're mindful it makes the art of "practicing" gratitude easier. Mindfulness is a practice of being hyper aware of what you're feeling or sensing in a given moment. You can do it with eating, as a form of meditation, breathing, and more. Once again I've given you a couple diffuser blends and a roller bottle blend along with some affirmations designed to help you as you try to focus and be mindful of your actions, surrounds, doings and beings.
The last thing I want to leave you with are some tools to help you expand. Expand upon your gratitude, expand upon your mindfulness, and expand upon your hopes, desires, and dreams. Gratitude, Mindfulness, and Expansion can all compliment one another to help us grow and become what we're meant for [and more]. Use the diffuser or roller bottle blend along with the affirmation to help your brain open and expand.
I have deep gratitude for you being apart of the Wellness spOILed community. If there's anything I can do to help you with your health goals, self-care tips, or just need a recipe or suggestion
reach out! Seriously that's what ignites me.
xoDanette