Gratefulness Can Be Great. Practise Gratitude On World Happiness Day

World Happiness Day is celebrated every year on the 20th of March to realize the importance of happiness in our lives in all its forms. Gratitude and happiness are closely intertwined because practising gratefulness can enhance our overall sense of well-being, leading to greater happiness. With gratitude, people recognize the goodness in their lives through positive emotions and enjoyable experiences.

What you need to know:

What is gratitude?
What is the importance of gratitude?
Tips to express gratitude effortlessly

What is gratitude?

World Happiness Day is also a great opportunity to reflect on the moments, people, or things that bring us joy and happiness. To acknowledge all wonderful things in life, one can leverage gratitude as a powerful tool, which can help cultivate a sense of contentment and happiness. Gratitude is a practise of thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, be it in the tangible or intangible form. It shifts our perspective towards an optimistic and hopeful outlook, which can lead to greater levels of happiness and well-being.

What is the importance of gratitude?

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. Gratitude has far-reaching benefits for our holistic well-being.

Improves mental health: Expressing gratitude regularly can improve your mental health and reduce signs of depression, stress, and anxiety. It helps shift your focus away from negative thoughts and emotions and allows you to appreciate what you have.
Boosts happiness: Gratitude has been linked to higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. Focusing on the positive aspect and showing appreciation for them can make you feel content and at peace.
Enhances relationships: Expressing gratitude towards others can strengthen your bond with them. This stands true for both your personal and professional spheres. It increases a sense of connectedness and decreases the feeling of loneliness.
Better physical health: When you practise gratitude, you go to sleep with a calm mind. Getting good sleep, in turn, can help you wake up in a joyful and happy mood and reduce stress and inflammation. It can also lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Boosts resilience: Focusing on things you are grateful for helps you gain perspective, enabling you to bounce back from difficult situations and find effective ways to cope with challenges.

Tips to express gratitude effortlessly

Practising gratitude is a surefire way to uplift your emotional and mental well-being. Here are some simple ways to practise gratitude on World Happiness Day:

Keeping a gratitude journal: Set aside a few minutes each day to pen down 3-5 things you are grateful for. They can vary from watching a beautiful sunset and relishing a delicious meal to a kind gesture from a stranger. The goal is to remember a good experience or event and how it evoked good emotions within you.
Expressing gratitude to loved ones: Gratitude can also help you socialize, initiate, maintain, and strengthen relationships. When you take the time to thank people who make a difference in your life, you cement your bond with them. Write them a note, send them a message wishing them well, or express your appreciation for them in person.
Practise mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation and yoga can anchor you in the present moment. These practises can help you be more present and aware of the good things in your life. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly in a cozy space. Focus on your breathing and notice the sensations in your body and mind.
Focus on the glass half full: The glass half full is a common analogy that inspires individuals to focus on the positive moments rather than harping on the negatives. When something good happens, savor the moment and express humble thanks.
Find happiness in little things: In our pursuit of happiness, we often tend to find happiness in monumental things. However, it is the little things that can bring real and lasting happiness. Small joyful moments are not just a fleeting rush of excitement but a deep sense of well-being that can help us sustain in good times and bad. Feeling the sun on your face, a small act of kindness from a stranger, listening to your favorite song, and long hot baths are some examples of little things that can make you feel happy.
Use visual reminders: Place reminders of gratitude around your home or workplace. It can be a motivational quote or a photo of a loved one. When your gaze falls upon these reminders, take a moment to be grateful for these blessings in your life.

It takes time to see the changes practising gratitude has on you, but you can cultivate this habit over time.

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