Recently I have been trying to work on focusing on things I am grateful for. I am generally an optimist, and in most circumstances I can weed out the bad & see the good elements. In fact, changing my perception of an event or experience has always been a successful way for me to manage stress and any anxiety that may try to creep in.
But like anyone, there are times when I can focus too much on the negative elements. This is where I am finding practicing gratitude (in addition to changing my perception) can increase my sense of happiness and decrease any feelings of resentment or negativity.
I want to share some tips on how to create more gratitude in your life to help decrease stress, anxiety, increase happiness, positivity, and deepen communication within relationships.
Keep a journal.
Look for less obvious things to be grateful for (what do you take for granted?).
First thing in the morning or before you go to bed write down 2-3 things you are grateful for (or simply say them out loud).
On your way to work or out doing errands look for things you are grateful for.
When you are doing something that you don’t like to do, or are bored, irritated, stuck in traffic, try to find the positive. What can you be grateful for during the process? Change or create an intervention in your perception.
