Gratitude is the act of being thankful for the things you have or receive. It can lead to a variety of benefits – like improved mental and physical well-being and better relationships.
Since gratitude allows you shift your focus away from negative thoughts and feelings it can lead to a more optimistic outlook. This can be really helpful as you navigate challenging times in school.
Specifically, gratitude can increase motivation, reduce stress, and increase resilience – helpful for the many challenges that face college students.
In addition, there are health benefits to practicing gratitude. Studies show that people who practice gratitude regularly tend to have better sleep, lower levels of stress and anxiety, and increased self-esteem. All of which are essential for success in personal and professional life.
How to practice gratitude?
There are a variety of strategies that can be used to practice gratitude:
- Keep a gratitude journal: This can be a physical journal that you can write in or you can find a journal app on your phone. In the journal you write down what you are grateful for each day.
- Sending thank-you notes or messages: When someone does something kind for you, send them a message.
- Expressing gratitude verbally: Telling people who have done something nice for you or hold special meaning in your life.
- Practicing mindfulness: By being focused on the present moment, you can open yourself up to noticing things in your life that are good and for which you are grateful.
- Reflecting on past experiences: Self-reflection on past experiences can remind you of times that you can be grateful for.
- Creating a gratitude jar or box: This involves putting small items or messages that represent things that you are grateful for in a jar or box.