The Power of Gratitude (PLUS infographic)

Gratitude is a real power tool and habit that can improve your overall wellbeing and life.

Gratitude has proven benefits, such as:

  • Helps us to put things into perspective and see the good things in our life

  • People who practice gratitude on a regular basis are happier and less depressed

  • Improves both physical and psychological health

  • Improves mental strength and resilience and reduces perceived stress

  • It strengthens relationships

  • Improves empathy and reduced aggression

  • Can improve sleep (especially when you journal for 15 min before you sleep)

There are different ways to practise gratitude:

  • Keep a journal and note down (at least three) big and little joys of daily life, i.e. identify three things that have gone well for you and identify the cause. You may use a blank notebook or a gratitude diary/journal that you can buy in most bookstores nowadays or order online.

  • Write thank you notes to others.

  • In your prayers (if you are religious/spiritual), include what you are grateful for.

  • Say thank you in person.

  • Thank the person over the phone. Call someone you are grateful for to have in your life (e.g. calling a friend).

  • Send a thank you email (e.g. to a colleague).

  • Express gratitude through small gestures or gifts (e.g. flowers with a thank you note, box of chocolate, do a chore for someone as an expression of gratitude).

  • Make a habit (i.e. a fixed agenda item) at work meetings - saying thanks can be linked to organisational values. You may also consider making a conversation topic when you have dinner with the family.

It is all about finding something that works for you. It needs to match your life style and preferences. Some people prefer to express gratitude towards others while some people prefer to keep it for themselves and write it down in a private journal. The more you make it a habit and part of your routine, the more you get out of practising gratitude. Most importantly, you need to really mean what you are gratefully for to get the (full) benefits.

Download your free copy of your gratitude infographic below.

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Access the mentioned tools and templates in the Resource Centre (for Silver and Gold Clients only).

Nadja ConaghangratitudeComment