Gratitude : A Pathway to Emotional Well-Being

“The heart that practices gratitude often finds strength even in difficult times”

Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you”. It is a beautiful feeling which we nurture by practicing the positive aspects of life, no matter whether they are big or small. What matters is your intention how you feel about that aspect in your life.

How Gratitude Improves Emotional Health

When we are in an emotional overwhelm state then our attention is towards that emotion and how we are feeling it inside our body. But when we show gratitude our state of mind changes and it strengthens our positive emotions of happiness, hope and contentment. Doing daily practice of gratitude inculcate a surrender habit which foster more self energy gives optimistic outlook (Emmons and McCullough, 2003).

Enhances Positive emotions

Life is beautiful only when we see it from positive lens otherwise it is full of stress, challenges, workload, arguments, emotions, etc. Gratitude can have a profound impact on emotional health and overall well-being. It has ability to shift your focus and be in a content state.

Additionally, keeping a gratitude journal, helps in strengthening our inner bond with ourselves. It reflects our thinking process and how taking out few moments from life can bring big shifts in our lives.  Which gradually helps in improving our emotional health, as we keep on feeling different emotions in a day (Seligman, 2011).

Strengthen relationships

 Gratitude in simple words in accepting the life as it comes and strengthen us from inside. It helps in building resilience, emotional strength and enhance overall emotional health by guarding us and moving in the right direction. It help us to nurture the trust, empathy and a sense of belonging.

Gratitude, practiced with awareness, becomes a kind of resistance—a reminder that amid chaos, there is still clarity in purpose, power in community, and hope in each breath. We may not be able to quiet every storm, but we can choose to remain steadfast, open-hearted, and kind (American Psychological Association).

Exercise Box : The daily gratitude practice

1)3 things you are grateful for today.

2) Feeling of self energy through gratitude

3) Positive feeling that changed your negative emotion with the help of gratitude

Reflection

Gratitude helps in our overall development by influencing our thoughts, emotions and interaction with others.

Practicing this exercise consistently can gradually strengthen the resilience which is very important in day to day stressful life.