Recall a time when you felt grateful, how did you feel? Did it change your day and how you interacted with others?
More and more scientific research is uncovering the mind-body link in which our thoughts can impact our health and well-being.
When we feel grateful our spirits naturally rise. So, when your spirits begin to drop, why not give yourself a gratitude boost?
Here are some ways we can boost our gratitude factor, be as random in application or practise as you like:
1) Recall a time when you felt grateful and allow yourself to re-experience how you felt at that time. Sit back and then reflect how you could pass on or share that experience with others.
2) Think of someone who has had a positive impact on your life and how they inspired you or encouraged you. Remind yourself daily of the inspiration or encouragement.
3) Start noticing and appreciating everyday beauty, such as a flower or a warm drink or small acts of kindness, such as a door held open for you.
4) Start a gratitude journal, each day see if you can find one extra thing to be grateful about. It can be as simple as having learnt something new today.
5) This is a simple but fun activity. Take a moment out and imagine that every cell in your body is smiling.
6) Acknowledge that you are always doing your best. Practise being as kind to yourself as you would to your best friend.
7) Challenge yourself to an awareness game: find a least one thing to appreciate about everyone you meet.
8) Consciously choose to practice small acts of kindness, such as, smiling at and saying thank you to the coffee shop waitress.
9) Choose to nurture optimism and find the silver-lining in situations. Try this at least 3 times a day.
10) Recognise that your inner child still exists. Give yourself permission to be a kid again, spend some time playing and laughing.
11) Go for an actual or a virtual walk in nature. Pick out details of what you see and notice the beauty around you.
12) Watch out for over-thinking and getting caught on the worry treadmill.
