Gratitude is the Key to Happiness, Even During a Pandemic

Question: When have you felt the most grateful in your life? 

Most people would probably say that it was when they had good things happen to them, their family, or their friends. It is effortless when things are positive to have a sense of gratefulness; however, it is not easy or commonplace to have an attitude of gratitude during a crisis. 

When your life feels like it is falling apart, it is challenging to think about your life's positives. It is usually easier to wallow in misery. Still, it is important to aspire for gratefulness to experience its benefits, even during challenging times. Let me repeat that, EVEN IN CHALLENGING TIMES. 

We all probably know someone who only focuses on negatives, and it is easy to fall into that type of pattern ourselves.  However, negative thinking = more negative thinking. To increase gratefulness, you have to have a different perspective on your current situation. Meaning, the problem may not change, but you can think about your circumstances differently. 

Aspiring for gratefulness during a crisis or pandemic is not easy. One may even say that it is unnatural; you have to choose to be grateful. It is a choice.

In my personal experience, good things have often come from negatives. Because of that, I know that I can survive those things that aren't always good and even thrive. Most people can probably look back over their lives and pick a negative that bloomed into a positive. Remember those times of growth, and those past experiences will make an imprint on your now!

The following is a list of how we are impacted by gratitude.

Gratitude affects our personality: we are

1. More optimistic

2. Less materialistic

3. More spiritual

4. Less self-centered

5. Increased self-esteem 

Gratitude affects our health: we 

1. Get better sleep

2. Stay healthier

3. Increase our longevity

4. Have more energy

5. Get more exercise

Gratitude affects your emotions: it

1. Enhances our resilience

2. Increases our good feelings

3. Reminds us of our happier memories

4. Decreases envy

5. Makes us more relaxed

Gratitude affects your social interactions: it

1. Makes us friendlier

2. Helps our marriage

3. Makes us look good

4. Enables us to make friends

5. Deepens our friendships

Gratitude affects your career: it

1. Makes you a more effective manager

2. Helps you network

3. Increases your goal achievement

4. Improves your decision making

5. Increases your productivity

Additionally, make sure you express your gratitude. Expressing your gratitude towards others is one of the most significant gifts you can give. We probably feel that we show our thankfulness more than we actually do. Or you may assume that someone knows how much you appreciate them. Don't let someone assume how you feel about them; LET THEM KNOW! 

Here are some ways to show your gratitude.

Start with yourself and rewire your brain:

• Smile more often. 
• Adopt the habit of focusing your attention on all that you are thankful for each day: make a gratitude list or journal. 
• Recognize each day as a gift.
• Embrace the beauty of nature. 
• Take nothing for granted.
• Look for opportunities to be thankful.
• Be thankful for who you are instead of putting yourself down. We are all different, and those differences are positives. God made you perfect. 
• Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. 
• Meditate or pray on gratitude. Find a mantra to repeat when you feel down. 
• Post positive notes to yourself or others around your home. 
• Grow your compassion toward people, and as you do, you'll see how fortunate you are to get the chance to make a difference in their lives just by opening your heart.
• Choose happiness and help others do the same through words of encouragement, hope, and love.
• Challenge your inner critic with thoughts of thankfulness, which will immediately turn your negative thoughts into positive ones. I am my worst enemy when it comes to doubting myself. I often say that I don't need a harsh critic because I am my own worst critic. 
• Play music and acknowledge its healing and restorative powers with its beautiful lyrics and melodic tones to make you feel alive. Every time I hear the song "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, I can't help but to be a little happier, even when I'm not in a mood to be happy. It is a song that just makes me smile.

Give to yourself and others:

• Give to the less fortunate. 
• Write a thank you letter.
• Do something unexpected for someone. 
• Leave encouraging words to someone. 
• Give a genuine compliment.
• Practice random acts of kindness. 
• Buy a small gift for someone.
• Leave a great tip.
• Donate to a charity.
• Provide a meal for a busy family you know. 
• Provide a service for someone who is struggling to get everything done.

 

Share with others:

• Tell your loved ones that you love them. 
• Share what makes you grateful with your friends and family on social media. We certainly need more positivity on the socials. 
• Show appreciation to those to who you are thankful.
• Send happy birthday and anniversary messages to friends, family, and even acquaintances.
• Thank people for their service: healthcare, first responders, grocery store employees, etc.
• Share your gratitude around the dinner table. 
• Have an outdoor picnic with friends or family you haven't interacted with because of social distancing rules. 
• Host a virtual gathering of close friends with the sole purpose of celebrating the friendship, having some laughs, and giving away generous compliments. Can you say wine time?
• Be someone's greatest fan and talk about their talents and excellent qualities. 
• Be uplifting and kind, always!

Remember that cultivating gratefulness will help you take better care of yourself and your relationships. You will be able to respond and perform better even during a crisis or pandemic. 

"Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." Charles Dickens 

"Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy." Jefferson Bethke

Have you experienced any positives during the COVID-19 pandemic? How do you show your gratitude? Share in the comments below.

Be blessed,

Jackie W.