I think you can agree that when things are going A-OK in life, there are plenty of things to be grateful for. We walk outside on a sunny day in the middle of winter, breathe a nice breath of fresh air, and smile. “Today is going to be a good day.”
Things are a little different when we’re swimming against the current on the river of life though. We walk outside on a sunny day in the middle of winter and… it’s just cold! “It’s too cold!” Same day, same temperature, different outlook!
Well, the practice of gratitude is buried in research that suggests that it can help us overcome adversity that little bit quicker and help us get back out there to enjoy that winter air. Here are seven reasons why being grateful makes you happy and helps you overcome adversity.
- Gratitude shifts your focus to the positive
During times of adversity, it's easy to focus on the negative and get bogged down by our problems. However, practising gratitude helps us to shift our focus to the positive and look for the good in our lives. By acknowledging the good things, we have, we can maintain a sense of hope and optimism, even in the face of challenges. - Gratitude helps us find meaning
When we face adversity, it's easy to feel like our struggles are meaningless. However, practising gratitude can help us find meaning and purpose in our experiences. By focusing on the lessons, we've learned and the strengths we've gained through adversity, we can find a sense of purpose and growth. - Gratitude promotes resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and keep going in the face of challenges. Practising gratitude can help us develop resilience by helping us maintain a positive outlook, even when things are tough. By focusing on the good in our lives, we can find the strength to keep going and overcome adversity. - Gratitude improves mental health
Adversity can take a toll on our mental health, but practising gratitude can help. Research has shown that gratitude is associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. By focusing on the positive and cultivating a sense of gratitude, we can improve our mental health and wellbeing. - Gratitude fosters social support
During times of adversity, social support can be particularly important in helping us cope. Grateful people tend to have stronger social networks and more supportive relationships. By expressing gratitude towards others and acknowledging their support, we can strengthen our relationships and find the support we need to overcome challenges. - Gratitude promotes self-care
Self-care is important during times of adversity, but it can be easy to neglect self-care when we're feeling overwhelmed. Practising gratitude can help us prioritize self-care by reminding us of the good things we have and the importance of taking care of ourselves. By making self-care a priority, we can better cope with adversity and find happiness. - Gratitude cultivates happiness
Ultimately, being grateful makes us happy, even during times of adversity. By focusing on the good in our lives and expressing gratitude, we can find joy and happiness, even in difficult circumstances. Gratitude helps us to appreciate what we have, rather than always striving for more, which can lead to greater happiness and contentment.
Practising gratitude during times of adversity is brilliant for our mental and emotional wellbeing. By shifting our focus to the positive, finding meaning in our experiences, and cultivating resilience, we can overcome any challenge that stands in our way and find happiness. So why not start a gratitude practice today? It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the good things in your life or expressing gratitude towards someone who has supported you during difficult times. The more we practice gratitude, the more we can cultivate happiness and overcome adversity.
