5 Ways to Stay Grounded in Gratitude

12 April, 2023

Gratitude is a guiding principle in the JSHealth community for living a balanced and healthy life. This powerful emotion and practice creates a foundation for feeling genuinely connected to yourself, your loved ones and the world.

Research shows that cultivating a grateful mindset has the power to reduce stress, boost happiness and increase overall wellbeing. From finding joy in the everyday moments to celebrating the massive milestones, practising gratitude unlocks a sense of deep satisfaction from within. 

Let’s look at 5 simple strategies to help you create your own daily gratitude practice: 

  • Pause for a moment – Whether you’re walking to work, making breakfast or just sitting in traffic, take a moment to stop and be present. Be mindful. Notice the way the morning light hits your skin or how fantastic it feels when you stretch out your arms. It’s a wonderful opportunity to listen to the 5-minute meditations in the JSHealth App – recognise how a few minutes of mindfulness can instantly shift your mind state. 

  • Write it down – Keeping a gratitude diary is an enriching way of acknowledging our feelings of thankfulness each day. Simply jotting down 3-5 things that you are grateful for before bed can help set you up for a positive start the next morning. 

  • Daily affirmations – Give yourself a reminder of what you are thankful for - out loud! It could be something as simple as, ‘I am grateful for my health’ or ‘I am thankful for the support of my friends and family’. Speaking words of gratitude can help to reset our mindset, and positively frame our mood and outlook on life. Try this JSHealth favourite: ‘Today I choose to be filled with love, joy and gratitude’.

  • Express appreciation – Showing those you love how much they mean to you is one of life’s greatest joys. Call or message a special person in your life and tell them what you appreciate about them. A simple thank you can go a long way in building strong relationships and creating an atmosphere of love and support. 

  • Spend time in nature – Nature is a powerful catalyst for gratitude, grounding us and reminding us of our connection to something greater than ourselves. Soak in the beauty of your surroundings by going for a walk or hike and feel the bliss of each moment. 

    • Gratitude is an attitude that can be practised anywhere and at any moment. Each day, connect with the practice of gratitude, no matter how big or small your experience is. Feel the positive effects ripple out into your life.


    References:

    Emmons, R.A. and McCullough, M.E. (2003) “Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life.,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), pp. 377–389. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377.