Counselor's Corner
November 2022
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From Our Social Worker
This time of year we hear the word gratitude more and more. Gratitude is thought of as being thankful and grateful for what you receive, whether that is tangible or intangible. We are often told about the things we should be grateful for. What people may not always realize is that gratitude can also have a positive effect on our mental health. Research has shown that gratitude can help reduce stress and overall improve our mental and physical health. It has also shown to improve interpersonal relationships and helps us sleep better (NAMI, 2020).
When we are focusing on our own gratitude, it helps us to appreciate the things that we have in our lives instead of the areas we fall short or our frustrations. When we are focusing on the positives, research shows that we are generally happier, we appreciate the positive, we can handle adversity and can have stronger relationships. We are able to connect with something larger than our individual selves. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2022) By practicing gratitude, we can enhance our empathy and improve our self-esteem.
Each of us feel and express gratitude in our own ways. Some people are just more grateful by nature, while others need to make more of a conscious effort to express and feel gratitude. Struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression where thought patterns are rooted in focusing on the negative can be a barrier to being able to show gratitude. The good news is, gratitude is something that can be nurtured. Here are some ways that gratitude can be cultivated.
Practice mindfulness or meditation. Slowing down and appreciating your current surroundings or situations. Focus on the current positives that are in your life, big and small.
Start the day by writing down something that went well from the previous day or something that you enjoyed. Writing it down allows time for reflection.
Share your gratitudes with others, talk with friends, family, colleagues about what is going well for you and for them.
Write a thank you note to some. Let them know what you appreciate about them or what they have done for you.
Keep a Gratitude Journal. Reflect daily and come up with 3-5 things that you are grateful for.
Practice random acts of kindness.