Because of this, practicing gratitude has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost your immune system by decreasing stress levels, and improve the quality of both platonic and romantic relationships. According to a 2017 study conducted by the University of California San Diego, a gratitude practice can even reduce the risks associated with heart failure. With all this in mind, it is important to note that giving someone a heartfelt thank you on occasion won’t immediately have a direct effect on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, but making a habit out of practicing gratitude will garner more long-term results.
How can you get started with a gratitude practice?
An easy way to jumpstart a gratitude practice is by implementing the Three Good Things exercise. This exercise is often used by therapists and asks people to write down three good things that went well for them at the end of each day and to reflect on why each of those things happened. You can start doing this in a gratitude journal or even just the notes section on your phone. Try to recount your favorite moment of the day or anything that happened that you appreciated.
You can also start your mornings off by meditating on all the things you are grateful for. This can allow you to have feelings of optimism and set the tone for the day. It can also be done as a way to wind down before going to bed.
