It is #GratefulFriday
It’s #gratefulFriday
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When we are feeling pain or troubled, one of the most powerful tools to help us through these challenging emotions is taking the time we need to be thankful for what we have in our lives. Gratitude is a powerful emotion. By receiving and conveying simple ‘thank you’ thoughts and messages, we can take pleasure in what we have in our life. Research shows that practicing gratitude is a strong way to reduce anxiety.
Gratitude is an emotion that grounds us and can help us to shfit our mindset. When we feel and express gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin — two hormones that make us feel lighter and happier inside.
We experience gratitude when we shift our focus from what we don’t have to what we do, and when we take time to appreciate and be thankful for those who have contributed to the abundance in our lives. Our brains can't focus on two incompatible feelings (i.e pain and gratitude) at the same time. Studies show that people with high levels of gratitude have lower levels of feeling troubled or worry. When we take time to focus on what we are grateful for, we choose positive emotions over negative, helping us take steps to nurture our wellbeing.
When you find yourself in a constant state of worry, take a few moments to reflect and feel what you are thankful for - your breath, someone specail in your life, something you learned recently. Write a thank you note to someone, take a walk in nature and take in the beauty of your environment, go for a walk in the city and notice the beauty of the architecture, cook something you or someone else really loves. Pray. Meditate.
As we practice gratitude regulary we'll find that it becomes easier to shift our mindset and to find the good in your life.
Much Love,
Lindsay