Steven Brettler embraces daily gratitude throughout this fast-paced whirlwind of modern life. He notes that it is all too easy to overlook the small moments of grace that color our days. In the following article, Steve Brettler journeys into the world of appreciative living, where every day becomes an opportunity to uncover the profound impact that a thankful heart can have on our lives.
We’ve all heard the old saying “attitude is everything.” But did you know our outlook can affect our mental and your physical health? Developing gratitude is essential to a healthy approach to everyday living. Cultivating a thankful heart can lead to a more fulfilling life. Let’s explore the benefits of practicing gratitude and ways to incorporate it into daily routines.
Steven Brettler on the Healthy Benefits of Gratitude
The Mayo Clinic notes that
behavior can change biology, so developing a positive outlook can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Behaviors are built over time, so the daily ritualized practice of gratitude can be built up like a muscle memory to spark inner peace. Positive gestures, such as thinking thankful thoughts about a loved one or performing an act of kindness, release oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” in the brain.
Steve Brettler also states that the mental and physical benefits of positivity are quantifiable, and include:
- Stronger immune system
- Better sleep
- Boosted confidence
- Reduced anger or sadness
- Sharper memory
- Lower risk of illnesses including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes
- More tolerant demeanor
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduction in chronic pain
Experiencing these benefits in and of themselves can make one more grateful for an improved lifestyle, which then becomes a self-fulfilling cycle of gratitude and reward.
How to Build a Daily Gratitude Practice
Steve Brettler says that like most things in life, practice makes perfect. Even the happiest of us cannot build a wealth of appreciativeness overnight. Below are some effective strategies that allow individuals to start small and
cultivate a gratitude routine that, over time, can become second nature.
Keep a Journal
Writing things down is an excellent way to ingrain them in our mind and spirit, and a sort of meditation as it forces our brains to focus on the literal task at hand. Keeping a daily gratitude journal gives people a moment to reflect on the day and cherry-pick the positive moments, however big or small – be it a great workout or a conversation with a good friend, according to Steven Brettler . Stash the journal in an easy to access place, such as a desk or nightstand, so that it remains top of mind and is easily incorporated into daily life. Only a few sentences a day can make a big difference!
Send Thank You Notes
Steven Brettler explains that another form of writing that cultivates gratitude is regularly writing thank-you notes! Not only is it a literal expression of gratitude and appreciation for a gift or service, but it also gives a boost of love and kindness to the recipient that can brighten their day as well as yours.
Say it Out Loud
Speaking appreciation into existence can make it more “real” and help to articulate what might be an otherwise amorphous inner feeling. Using voice memos or other recording device can also act as an audio journal that will allow a look back at what you were thankful for later – perhaps at a difficult time when it’s needed most.
Practice Meditation
Meditation is proven to help people focus and destress. Consider developing a meditation practice that focuses specifically on gratitude, thinking of happy thoughts and all the positives in life while sitting peacefully in silence. Steve Brettler also notes that a guided meditation app can help anyone get started.
Cultivate Intentional Gratitude – Plan in Advance!
Steve Brettler says that yes, people can plan to have an attitude of gratitude! It doesn’t just “happen.” You must make it happen. Keeping a list of things you are grateful in a pocket or purse can give provide a quick reminder in moments of sadness or stress. Consider setting an alarm or reminder to prompt yourself to be grateful.
Share Gratitude with Others
Spread the love! In addition to formal thank-you notes, make a conscious effort daily to show appreciation to others in person or practice intentional kindness by volunteering in the local community. Your outlook can inspire others!
Get Inspired
Notice when other folks are being grateful and reflect on it. Don’t be afraid to ask others about their personal practices, read feel-good news stories, watch inspirational videos, check out self-help books, or even speak with a therapist as you move along a personal gratitude journey.
Stay Grateful in Tough Times
Steven Brettler notes that with a fine-tuned gratitude practice, anyone can rise to the challenge when times get tough. Part of the practice should include maintaining an attitude of gratitude even when faced with hardship.
Final Thoughts
Developing a daily practice of gratitude can lead to thankful heart, improved mental and physical health, and a more balanced and resilient lifestyle.
