What does gratitude have to do with well-being? Those of us who make being thankful a routine part of our lives tend to be happier, have stronger relationships, and enjoy better overall health. We can learn how to incorporate gratitude into our daily lives.
Sometimes when we are feeling down, it may be hard to think of a pleasant memory or thing for which we are grateful. During times of negative, anxiety-producing thoughts or increased stress, a “gratitude practice” may help connect you to the present and become more aware and appreciative of what is going well in your life.
When you participate in a gratitude practice, you may notice that you are more aware of good things that are happening in your day—small things like catching a green light when you are driving, or finding no line at the grocery store check-out. You may also become more aware of bigger things, like when a friend or family member calls to check in with you and realizing how grateful you are to have them in your life.
Disconnect from negative thoughts
A gratitude practice helps us disconnect from negative thoughts by recalling the good things in our lives. It could be a person, a pet, a place we love, or even nature. It could be a positive memory or experience from our past that had an impact on making us who we are today. Or perhaps an influential teacher, friend, or enjoyable experience.
As you become more aware of the things, experiences and interactions that you are grateful for, you notice more of these small and large moments of gratitude in your daily life.
Gratitude Practice
Amy Honeck, occupational therapist from the Little Rock VA Medical Center, is featured in this short video. You will learn more about the benefits of a gratitude practice, including how to decrease negative thoughts. You will also experience a relaxing meditation. This video shows us methods to develop a gratitude practice from simple acts like writing a thank you note to a more in-depth practice, such as daily journaling. Follow along with the guided meditation to practice gratitude today.
While it may seem odd to “work on” and “practice” gratitude, the many health benefits make it a great investment. Check out this tool to help you create a gratitude practice.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Rumi’s "The Guest House" invites us to welcome each emotion as a teacher, even the unexpected ones. Listen and reflect for this week's #LiveWholeHealth practice.
Your breath is the most loyal friend you've always had. Connect, calm and heal with mindful breathing in this week's #LiveWholeHealth practice.
Gratitude is a light that shines through life’s ups and downs. Embrace gratitude this holiday season in just five minutes for this week's #LiveWholeHealth practice.
I recently moved from Long Beach CA to San Diego CA. Dr Glass my mental health provider in Long Beach referred me to whole health. By the time I was able to get enrolled into the whole health program, all I was able to gain was the overview orientation virtual meeting. The person Who runs the whole health program in Long Beach CA. Ms. Maria Valencia isn’t able to transfer or enroll me into whole health in San Diego. CA. My primary Doctor in La Jolla CA in SPID is Dr Smith, and he’s never heard of whole health so he’s unable to refer me to whole health in San Diego Ca. I’m a patient at the Jennifer Moreno VA center located in La Jolla CA. Im a Disabled American Veteran 100% service connected disability. Even doe I only attended the virtual orientation , I was very impressed and excited about the program as well taken back by the alternative approaches in healing . With my medical history I’ve always wanted to explore different possibilities in healing and wellness. Considering I stay on my Medical providers prescription lists , I feel it’s a great way to think outside the box , not be regimented, allow myself to slowly accept the idea of trusting others. It’s been said to me , more then once I need to loosen up a little bit. It’s now affecting my private life. In an effort to keep my private life mutual. I like to make the first step in not losing any Dept of my whole life, could you please contact me and let me know where in San Diego CA whole health is offered? I like to continue with the program even doe I moved from Long Beach CA to San Diego CA,
[Editor: Whole Health is national, and it’s even available at the Jennifer Moreno clinic: https://www.va.gov/san-diego-health-care/locations/jennifer-moreno-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center/ or call 858-552-8585.]