Nov 26, 2019

Why Practice Gratitude? - 3 Easy Ways to Start in 5 mins or less.

Studies show practicing gratitude helps you feel more peaceful, sleep better, reduce stress and attract more goodness in your life. By practicing gratitude, you train your brain to focus and highlight good things that are happening that we often overlook.

The Difference between Gratitude and Appreciation

Grat·i·tude / 'gradəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun - the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Ap·pre·ci·a·tion /əˌprēSHē'āSH(ə)n/

noun - recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.

Gratitude and appreciation are often used interchangeably, however there is a subtle yet important difference between the two. Gratitude comes with a connotation of relief or overcoming something. Appreciation is simply being thankful, which internally registers as a cleaner energy.

Take for example someone being grateful for the food in front of them. That comes with the understanding that at one point in time they might of not had as great access to food,

and may be concerned about that experience happening again, ie scarcity. If you appreciate the meal in front of you, you’re focused on the present with a feeling of clear positivity. When doing your practice, attempt to come from a space of appreciation vs gratitude more often than not.

3 Easy Ways to Practice Gratitude are;

Enjoying your surroundings first thing in the morning. - Before checking your phone and counting off all the tasks you need to do, take a moment to enjoy life. Simple things like the warmth of your bed, the sound of the air conditioner, the softness of your pillow, the texture of your sheets. Enjoy it as if it is a sweet gift just for you.
Compliment a friend. - Authentically sharing how you feel for someone else gives the both of you a sweet boost. Whether it’s the haircut of someone on the bus, to the way a friend parents their children, we all appreciate little reassurances and sweet thoughts. In giving a compliment, you also boost your own serotonin levels, making you feel even better.
Writing it down. - Focusing your thoughts and frequently penning the things you appreciate and love about yourself, your life and the people, places and things in it helps you see and tune into having more of what you want. Writing allows you to focus energy and attention in the strongest way possible allowing you to steep deeper and longer into the positive emotions you feel when practicing gratitude, making it the most effective technique. Set a timer for 5 minutes at the beginning of your day and 5 minutes before you go to bed to really tune yourself into the most positive, uplifting mood.