Gratitude can be simply defined as appreciating the good things in your life. It doesn’t always seem simple, though. When things are hectic or stressful, finding the silver lining can be challenging. However, learning how to embrace gratitude can significantly boost your happiness. Being grateful offers a host of other benefits you’re probably not aware of, too. Let’s take a closer look at the concept, ways it can improve your life, and how to practice it.
About Gratitude
There are many definitions of gratitude. Some people believe it’s a feeling or emotion. Others look at it as more of a mood. Still, some folks believe gratitude is a personality trait a person exhibits. These can all be correct. In essence, gratitude elicits satisfaction and appreciation in a person through feelings, actions, or even inherent qualities. However, even those of us who may be more inclined to feel grateful regularly through our glass-half-full-optimism likely need to work on evoking such an outlook. Gratitude can be viewed as a practice or something you perform frequently. Most people practice something because it benefits them. This is true of gratitude. As with other practices, you’ll get better at demonstrating gratitude the more you work at it.
Benefits of Embracing Gratitude
There are many benefits of gratitude; many of them have been scientifically proven. Once you begin to understand these, the chances are good that you’ll see why it’s so essential to develop a grateful mindset. Gratitude can have a positive effect on both physical and mental health. Research has shown it to improve relaxation, sleep quality, and energy levels. Being thankful for your blessings can enhance your emotional wellness. You’ll deal with crises in a better way and find you’re more resilient when you’re able to look on the bright side. This can contribute to better relationships, too. Appreciating the positives in life can make you feel happier.
Ways to Practice Gratitude
Recognizing your blessings may not come quickly at first, but there are some ways to help make it a habit and a regular part of your routine. One of the most convenient and impactful methods for cultivating appreciation is keeping a gratitude journal. In this practice, you’ll write down three things each day that you’re grateful for, which makes it easier to notice and recognize those good things. Meditation/prayer has also been shown to help. Also, making an effort to thank someone each day, for even the smallest thing, opens your eyes and heart to abundance. Giving back and doing good for others can provide a great perspective, as well.
Now you have a better idea of just what making a concerted effort to count your blessings can do for your life. Embracing and expressing gratitude are more important than many of us realize!
RECIPE
APPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
2 apples, chopped
3 pounds butternut squash, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
2-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
4 cups vegetable broth
1 bunch parsley, chopped
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add apples, squash, and onion to a large mixing bowl. Coat the apples, squash, and onion well with melted coconut oil. Lay the mixture on a shallow baking pan and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The mixture should be soft and brown around the edges.
Next, add the roasted mixture to a large soup pot. Add grated ginger and vegetable broth. Cook for about 10 minutes until hot. Use an immersion blender or a high-speed blender to make a smooth soup. Serve with fresh parsley.
To Your Health,
Patti
