Research suggests that people who practise gratitude are more likely to offer emotional support and assistance, share their possessions with others, and forgive more willingly. A study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examined higher levels of activity in the hypothalamus were found in people who showed more gratitude overall. In the midst of Covid-19, some people feel more grateful because they have good health, have not lost their dear & near, & not have any financial problems. They feel a great sense of wellbeing by focussing on the good things they have.
On the other hand, it is natural that some people who lost their jobs or lost a near one may not feel grateful or cannot express gratitude. It is challenging to appreciate what we have during hard times. But practising the art of gratitude will build emotional resilience to people who are struggling. There is no magic for overcoming sorrows. However expressing gratitude to those who gave comfort during the times of loss, crisis and uncertainty may help to reduce the sorrows and strengthen the bonds. It helps us to realise that relationships are truly what makes life meaningful. Moreover, science says that when we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the happy hormones which make us feel good and reduce stress.
Practicing gratitude on a daily basis doesn’t require any hard work or much time. When you wake up early in the morning or before going to bed, take a pause and notice the things that went well or going well in your life. If you feel that you don’t have anything to feel grateful then think about the people whom you love and who love you. Family and friends are what matters most, so let your loved ones know how much they mean to you. It definitely gives new energy to rise up. Everyone should intentionally take some time to jot down your own list of reasons to be grateful.
Encourage children, family members and friends to do the same. Make this a regular habit. If you can’t, make it happen weekly once. The pandemic has wrapped us to the four walls of our homes. It is doubtless that daily routines have changed for almost everyone. Obviously with less interactions we feel very low energy and negative emotions. So it is very important to keep a gratitude journal to energize, to heal and to bring hope.Count the blessings and be thankful to what you have in your life.Cultivating an attitude of gratitude helps you to be resilient and to focus on what we can control.So far Covid-19 has taught us many good lessons . Focus on that,practice gratitude and move forward as another year comes close.
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