The Gratitude Guide: Thank Your Way to Mental Health
By Brandi Goodman
Always having negative things to say and never seeing the good in the world is a surefire way to keep your mental health down. The more you think about how bad you have it in life, the more likely you are to feel sad, upset, and depressed. Gratitude is one way you can work to change this. Here's how you can thank your way to mental health.
What Is Gratitude?
Gratitude is more than feeling thankful. It's truly appreciating what someone does for you and showing or telling that person how much it really means. Expressing your gratitude can help you to show your emotions and put the kindness you receive back into the world.
How Gratitude Can Better Your Mental Health
Focusing on negative emotions can drain your mental health. Show gratitude instead and focus on the positive and you'll be more likely to feel good. You'll also be more likely to continue showing gratitude more than you do now. Make a conscious effort to tell someone "thank you" when they show kindness and find other ways to show how much you appreciate them. It will make them feel good and make you feel even better knowing you had a part in their happiness. The circle of gratitude and kindness should only continue.
Being grateful can help you to de-stress. You won't be thinking about the things or people you don't have in your life and will instead be thankful for those that you do. It can help to ease your mind from worries and boost your confidence and self-worth.
Better Ways to Show Your Gratitude
Do more than just say "thanks" when someone does something nice for you. Sure, telling someone "thank you" is nice, but actually doing something to show how much real meaning you have behind the sentiment feels even better. For example, you can write that person a letter expressing just how much their gesture meant. It really proves to them that you are thankful for their efforts.
If you have the means, then give a gift. A simple thank you card with a small gift can go a long way toward letting someone see how much you mean to them. Maybe you had a friend help you move. Send some flowers and thank them for all their help once you're settled.
Your mental health should always be a priority. If showing a little more gratitude in your daily life can help, then give it a try. Anytime someone shows kindness let them know it's worth it. Express your gratitude and let the circle of kindness continue to make the world a better place for yourself and others.
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