Practicing gratitude is more than just about filling up a journal with lists of people, places, and things you're thankful for. At its core, true gratitude combines a deep appreciation for life with action. And when practiced consistently, gratitude can have pretty amazing effects on your physical and emotional well-being, too.
Making a daily habit of practicing gratitude can be beneficial to general wellness. Studies show it may even lead to better sleep, reduced fatigue, and help you become a more positive and happy person.
How Gratitude Can Lead to Self-Care
The funny thing about gratitude is that many people notice it has a way of making you treat others and even yourself a little better. It begins a positive domino effect. It might give you a quiet moment in which to realize, “hey, I’m grateful for my body and mind and want to take better care of them.” That’s when Green Roads CBD stress relief products can be really useful. From Rise N' Shine Gummies to sleep products with CBD for the perfect evening ritual, Green Roads can help you feel your best. Find your CBD online or at a Green Roads retailer near you.
Possible Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
Positive Psychology defines gratitude as having "a deeper appreciation for someone (or something) that produces longer lasting positivity." In short, practicing this emotion involves both acknowledging and actively seeking the positives in life and in those around you.
Improved Heart and Physical Health
Gratitude can contribute to an overall sense of well-being, and sometimes, it may even result in measurable physical effects. From heart and immune health to reduced stress levels and lower blood pressure, finding a sense of appreciation and peace can do wonders for your physical body.
In fact, according to a long-standing study by The American Journal of Cardiology, people who maintain deep feelings of gratitude or appreciation experience better heart health, as indicated by higher heart rate variability. While another study by The Royal Society found that the benefits of grateful feelings may lead to lower cortisol levels (stress-inducing hormone) and better quality sleep. Once you’ve improving your sleep, you’re improving almost every other aspect of your health.
Improved Psychological Health
Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a scientific expert on the benefits and practices of gratitude, has found many psychological benefits of introducing gratitude into one's daily routine. From improved alertness, optimism, and happiness to a boost in positive emotions, not only does a deep appreciation for life benefit people physically, but it can do wonders for psychological health too.
Choosing to see the good in your circumstances may enable you to live life to the fullest and maintain joyfulness no matter what trials come your way. And although practicing gratitude isn't always easy, it's definitely worth the effort.
How to Practice Gratitude Each Day
There are many methods for starting your day with gratitude, and there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for doing so. However, there are a few steps you can take to get started.
Start Each Day with a Calm and Focused Mind
Set aside five minutes each morning to calm your mind and focus on things you're grateful for, whether that's your home, your family, or your sincere ability to connect with those around you. To help work gratitude into your busy morning ritual, combine this practice with an activity you already do, like sipping coffee, meditating, or going for an early morning jog.
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Get into Nature
By quieting your busy mind and focusing on one thing at a time, you can begin to find all the joys of life around you. Start each day by unplugging from your electronics and getting out into the open air for a stress-reducing nature walk or jog.
Start by appreciating the season of life you're in, and then think of how you can embrace it more fully. Engage all of your senses by focusing on the sights, smells, and sounds around you, and try to find something good in each object, person, or thing you encounter.
Make a Game Plan
Anticipate moments that may make you forget your appreciation for life, but don't dwell too heavily on potential — and often unlikely — negative situations. Instead, use your insight to create a game plan for conquering stressful situations. Here are a few tips for preparing your gratitude strategy:
- Write down positive things you want to focus on ahead of a stressful situation. This way, you can refer to your gratitude objectives whenever you feel you're losing your zen.
- Tell loved ones you appreciate them, whether that's for a gift, experience, or act of kindness.
- Stock up on CBD Gummies for when you need an extra boost and a calmer mind in stressful situations.
- Take a deep breath. Studies have shown that deep, focused breathing can reduce worries and quiet your mind.
Even the most relaxed individuals experience stress. Make sure you keep your gratitude practices in place so that you're prepared to handle anything that comes your way.
Relax and Unwind at the End of Each Day
Life gets hectic. And at the end of a busy, stressful day, it can be easy to forget your gratitude practices. Keep consistent and continue prioritizing gratitude by creating a calming nighttime ritual that helps you to unwind. That might include meditating, doodling, or journaling.
Whatever practices you choose, make sure the routine enriches your feelings of gratitude and relaxation. And if you're having trouble falling or staying asleep, then check out Sleepy Z's Gummies for deep rest. With quality sleep, you're sure to feel relaxed and energized for each new day of positive possibilities!
