Deb Gleeson
- 12 February 2017
Gratitude a 'super highway' to mental health
Gratitude a 'super highway' to mental health.
Gratitude has been said to have one of the strongest links with mental health of any character trait. Numerous studies suggest that grateful people are more likely to have higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress and depression.
The best news is that we can strengthen our links to gratitude! We don't have to wait to 'feel grateful' we can ask ourselves to practice this wonderful character trait.
Here's just a few ways to help yourself along the path of gratitude.
- Start a Gratitude Journal: This is the most common gratitude practice, and one of the most effective according to research. Get yourself a journal and write down 5 things you are grateful for. Try not to repeat items too often. You can do this each night before bed, or once a week, but do it regularly. It's not how often you do it that counts—it's how regularly.
- Gratitude Letter & Visit: Think of someone who has made a powerful impact on your life, write a letter of gratitude, and then visit and read it to them in person is the most powerful gratitude exercise you can do according to research.
- Say 'Thank You' more often. Just start saying it. For everything. Everyone likes to be thanked, and you will feel more joy just for saying it.
- Use social media; Write Thank You Notes: When someone touches your heart, write them a note. 'Thanks for being a great friend' is simple but very effective.
Remember Mental Health is everyone's business
