Seven Ways To Practise Gratitude And Improve Your Outlook

 **Collaborative Post**

AD: Gratitude is an incredibly powerful emotion that many of us overlook. It can improve our lives in so many ways. After all, when you’ve got so much to be grateful for, it can make it a little more difficult to feel sad, angry or depressed. In a world where more of us are suffering from depression too, practicing gratitude can be hugely beneficial to your mental well-being. With anxiety and depression driving higher levels of alcohol and drug addiction, as well as self-harm and suicide, starting with the little things can go a long way. 

You’ll find many detox clinics that encourage the practicing of gratitude, so if you’re looking to improve your mental health and believe that being more grateful for what you do have could help, here are seven ways to practice… 

Keep a gratitude journal 

One of the most effective ways to practice gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few minutes to write down three things you are grateful for. These can be big or small things, like a supportive friend, a beautiful sunset, or a warm cup of tea. By taking the time to reflect on the good things in your life, you can cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and positivity. 

Practice gratitude meditation 

Gratitude meditation is a powerful way to cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment. Start by finding a quiet place to sit or lie down, and take a few deep breaths to calm your mind. Then, focus on your breath and imagine breathing in gratitude and breathing out negativity. As you continue to meditate, think about the things you are grateful for, and allow yourself to feel a sense of appreciation and contentment. 

Write thank you notes 

Taking the time to write thank you notes is a simple but powerful way to show gratitude to the people in our lives. Whether it's a thank you note to a friend who helped us through a difficult time, or a thank you note to a colleague who went above and beyond, expressing gratitude in this way can strengthen our relationships and increase our overall sense of well-being. 

Practice gratitude in conversation 

When we have conversations with the people in our lives, we often focus on the negative aspects of our day or our problems. Instead, try to incorporate gratitude into your conversations. Take a few moments to share something you are thankful for, or express appreciation for something the other person has done. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can cultivate a more positive outlook and deepen our relationships with others. 

Volunteer 

Volunteering is a powerful way to practice gratitude and give back to our communities. Whether it's volunteering at a local soup kitchen, donating time to a charity, or simply helping out a neighbour in need, acts of service can help us to cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in our lives. 

Use gratitude prompts 

Gratitude prompts are simple questions or prompts that can help us to reflect on the things we are grateful for. For example, you might ask yourself, "What made me smile today?" or "What am I thankful for in this moment?" By using gratitude prompts, we can train our minds to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and contentment. 

Practice gratitude rituals 

Gratitude rituals are simple practices or routines that we can incorporate into our daily lives to cultivate a sense of gratitude. For example, you might take a moment each morning to reflect on the things you are grateful for or end each day by writing down three things you are thankful for. By creating these rituals, we can make gratitude a habit and cultivate a more positive outlook on life. 

xXx