We live in very stressful times right now. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made people terrified of people physically close to anyone in fear of contracting the virus. You may have experienced a loss or known someone sick from COVID-19. Jobs may have been lost and you have to transition to remote work. When our anxiety peaks, it is very easy to think about what we do not have. Instead of focusing so hard on what we have lost, let's focus on what we still have by practicing gratitude.
Research has said that gratitude can reduce your stress hormone levels of serotonin down to 23%. Gratitude can also lower your blood pressure, improve immune system function, sleep function, and risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Gratitude can help you find happiness in what is around you and the people in your life.
Once you find gratitude in the face of stress, you will appreciate your life for what it is.
Gratitude Journal
Use a journal or a journal-writing app to write down all of the things you are most grateful for. Every day, write down three things that make you appreciative of what you have. For example, you could be grateful that you have a working phone or a computer during the pandemic to speak to your loved ones.
You can also think about the people who have made you smile. It can either be your friends, family, or even that stranger who paid you a compliment. Make it a goal to write in this journal every day as you will have a brighter outlook about your day no matter how you feel.
You Have Been Through Worse
No one really lives a charmed life. There is a good chance that you have been through difficult times in the past. Remember that, no matter how bad things get, you have survived the worst before. Maybe you had your heart broken before or you failed to pay the rent. But, you found a way to overcome your anxiety to march on.
You have overcome so much to get to where you are today. Always remember that every time life deals you an unfair hand, your skin gets tougher with every bad event you have survived.
Inspirational Quotes
There are a variety of websites and books that have a collection of quotes that can help you practice gratitude. Reading these quotes out loud and saving them in a book or your phone can make you feel there are many voices telling you that you have more than you think.
Give yourself a few minutes to search online for quotes that resemble your situation whenever you feel stressed. After you read the quotes, reflect on them and realize the truth in these words. Odds are that the people who have come up with these quotes were those who were down on their luck like you, but rose above it.
Give Gratitude
While gratitude can be a great thing to lower your stress, it can also be beneficial to other people. Telling someone "thank you" can be such a big gift to someone who needs it. If someone has complimented your outfit and you thank them, it can make your day and someone else's by acknowledging the compliment.
You can also show people how grateful you are to them for their company by giving them a call every day or sending them a gratitude card. Giving can feel just as nice as receiving because love is better when it is shared.
Are you interested in learning more about gratitude? Please contact me now to schedule your first appointment.
