Practising Gratitude: How Gratefulness Boosts Well-Being
Eating a delicious meal, spending time with a loved one, strolling through the park at sunset, or receiving an unexpected compliment are all examples of beautiful life moments. But when’s the last time you paused to intentionally appreciate and savour such experiences?
It can be easy to get caught up in negative emotions and cycles of worry, but focusing on the positive or finding the silver linings to be thankful for, even under less-than-ideal circumstances, can be a truly impactful way to improve your mental and physical health.
What Is Gratitude?
Gratitude is commonly defined as thankfulness—a feeling of appreciation. It’s an emotion that allows you to perceive and truly recognize the good things in your life, no matter how small or large they may be.
Did you know that when you feel grateful for something, you’re more likely to treat it with care and special attention? Associated with joy, love, generosity, compassion, and more positive emotions overall, gratitude is a mindset with many benefits for you and those around you.
The Benefits of Practising Gratitude
Numerous studies have associated the practise of gratitude with positive outcomes. While it’s difficult to empirically quantify the impacts of gratitude, research indicates that feeling grateful reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body and increases overall life satisfaction. The many benefits of gratitude include but are not limited to:
- improved sleep quality
- reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
- better focus
- higher self-esteem
- increased patience
- improved social interactions
- lower blood pressure
- overall improved mental health and outlook on life
Tips for Practising Gratitude
Wondering how you can incorporate more gratitude into your daily reality? Use the ideas below (or some of the many more found here) as starting points for finding a daily gratitude practice that will work for you.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Even if journalling isn’t usually your style, a simple gratitude journal can go a long way. Jot down specific events, people, experiences, or other things you are grateful for at the end of each day (or throughout the day as they arise). Drawing attention to meaningful aspects of your life you might otherwise have overlooked or forgotten is a wonderful opportunity to nurture an organically grateful disposition.
Remember To Smile
Sounds simple—and it is! Be conscious about smiling when you witness something you’re grateful for and experience the rewards of a positive outlook on life.
Do Acts of Kindness
Look for opportunities to be helpful, generous, or thoughtful and pay it forward when others act kindly towards you.
Spend Quality Time
Show others you appreciate them by making time for quality interactions. Put away your phone, smile and laugh together, and practise active listening.
Express Gratitude Openly
Expressing gratitude openly is often as simple as saying thank you to the people you encounter throughout your day. Empower yourself and others by sharing your appreciation and spreading love.
Practise Gratitude at Bare Body Sugaring
At Bare Body Sugaring, we invite you to add self-care to your gratitude practice. Our dedicated staff is ready to help you appreciate your body and inner beauty alike.
Seeking sugaring in Winnipeg? Contact us directly today to make an appointment.
