The Amazing Power of One Simple Practice

This practice, especially when things are going wrong, can alter your mood. And let’s face it, when life is spinning out of control (Quarantine, anyone?) we need a mood lifter. What’s more, Studies show people who practice this regularly, sleep better, are happier, exercise more and have a stronger immune system.

Tanmeet Sethi, MD explains that Neuroscientists from UCLA and the University of Montreal have recently found this practice can work like an Antidepressant to increase levels of Dopamine and Serotonin. Those are the feel-good chemicals in our brain that make us happy and want to connect with others.

In her Ted talk, Dr. Sethi went on to say, the more we make these chemicals, the more we find things to feel good about! Don’t know about you but I could use more of that!

So what is this practice? Gratitude. Why do I feel like there was a big Whop whop whop. Not glamorous maybe, but true. While many people advise to keep a gratitude list, I find mine to often feel stale, like I’m going through the motions. Instead, let me give you 3 ways you can practice gratitude that you might not have thought of.

1. Purge and Practice Gratitude. This one is a win-win. It can be difficult to get rid of things. I’ve found that when I look at an item and have a little conversation with myself about it (a la “Konmari” style) it’s not only easier to get rid of, but I feel happy about it, and grateful to have had the item.

It goes like this, “Oh Pampered Chef stoneware roaster, thank you so much for the delicious roasted chicken you’ve made for me over the years. I find that since I broke your lid, I’ve been reaching for you less and less. I’m sorry. I hear that you can still cook up some yummy stuff without that lid. Unfortunately, I haven’t done that. I wonder if someone out there broke their roaster and only has the lid? How happy would I make someone to have a full set? Thank you for all you’ve done for me, roaster, I’m going to send you on your way to someone who will appreciate you!” Silly, maybe, but it works and my kitchen cabinets thank me, and I bet the person who now has a full roaster set does too!

2. My Grass is Greener than yours! Stick with me here. I find our natural tendency is to look at our neighbors grass (or house, or kids…you get it) and wish we had what they had.

But what if instead of comparing ourselves to those who have more, we compared ourselves to those who have less? Not in a vain, boastful way, but a grateful way. Wow, I am so thankful to have such a large yard!! Sure, it doesn’t have the pool I want, but my kids love playing in it. Neighborhood X has new houses, but their yards are too small for my liking.

Another example, let’s pick on my garage again (still purging by the way in case you’re following my journey). I could look at it and think how messy and disorganized it is. It’s difficult to find updated Statistics but did you know that in 2013 only 9% of the population of the world owned a car? And how many of those do you think have a “Home” (garage) for that car? Can we agree to be thankful for that messy garage–just because we have one?

3. Helping someone. This one should be a no-brainer. Helping someone, whether we physically help them do something, or we lift them up when they are down, can go a long way in making us feel grateful.

For one, it allows us perspective. Maybe we don’t have it so bad? Maybe my husband works so much that we rarely see him, but what about that friend who’s husband left her? Can we pick up her kids from school or have them over for a playdate so she can have a much needed break?

Can we encourage the family who’s prime breadwinner just lost their job? Even if we are WORN out from our own? A change in perspective can go a long way in improving mood and figuring out what truly matters, and feeling grateful for those things.

Motivational Speaker and Author Brian Tracy says, “You become what you think about most often”. He also says, “Even in the midst of the greatest difficulties you will experience in life, you can always find things for which you are truly grateful”.

A simple, consistent gratitude practice can be life changing. I encourage you to try these easy tips and add them to your current practice. See if they don’t motivate and encourage you to find ways to be grateful for living your best life!

Do you have a gratitude practice? I would love to hear some of your tips.