What would you say, if I told you that there is something that can make you happier, healthier, more optimistic and more productive? We all have the choice of a lifestyle, which if we start implementing, we will find that we can have, be and do much more. Science concludes that Gratitude as a way of living is a good choice for health (Dr. Robert Emmon). Being more grateful more often makes us happier and more optimistic.
Here are five reasons why gratitude improves our productivity and results:
Attracts what we want
The Law of Attraction states that "like attracts, like". The higher our frequency, the more positive and the results we attract into our lives. The feeling of gratitude has the highest frequency. Since that is true, you realize that once we recognize and feel gratitude for all the good that we already have in our lives, we focus more clearly on what we want in our lives - resulting to attract even more of these things.
Improves relationships
Think of all those who appreciate you and also tell you that. How does it make you feel about them? Does their appreciation positively affect your relationship with them? Of course it does! Be grateful for people, their contributions, their talents and their energies - and make sure they know how you feel.
Reduces negativity
It's hard to be negative about your situation when you think about things that you are grateful for. One of the quickest ways to improve your mood or perspective is by counting your blessings.
Improves problem-solving skills
When we think of things we can be grateful for, at the same time we open our minds to new possibilities, while the problem is approached from the perspective of improvement and opportunity.
Assists in learning
Behind every problem lies an opportunity. Being grateful for our situation even when things are not as we wish them to be, this allows us to be open to learning something new and to a more positive outcome.
Now, how can we really be more grateful more often?
It is very easy and we can practice it right here together.
Make a list of five things, you can feel grateful for at this moment. These may be big things (like your family) or small things (such as the good morning of your neighborhood children). This can be a cognitive or a written list (I recommend the latter). Whatever it might be that you can feel grateful for as you read this, do it now.
Think about your list and allow yourself to feel good about these things.
If there is a person you can thank or show your appreciation, do it now (a quick call or a message is a good start!). An amazing process I recommend you to start is your own "Gratitude Book", where every night you write the "Thank You's" of the day.
Very soon you will begin to see positive changes, both in your psychological and physical health, as well as in your social relationships. Everything can truly become better and better, with the simple tool of Gratitude.
Sending you Love and Light!
Stephania
*First published in enallaktikidrasi.com