Gratitude

This is my go to strategy to feel better. When I was burnt out, and even now, when I feel overwhelmed, by taking the time to appreciate the good in my life, my perspective shifts so that I can see beyond the immediate responsibilities and stressors. Being exposed to people’s complaints, time pressures and patients’ anxiety can take a toll. Remembering what you are grateful for can shift your energy and outlook, leading you to more well-being.

Even if gratitude may not come easily for you, and be “the right fit” initially, it is worthwhile to take time to appreciate the good in your life. Here are a few strategies:

What Went Well? The 3 Ws Gratitude Journal

Some refer to this as Counting Blessings. Each day take time to acknowledge 3 things that went well for you.  In its simplest form, you can state them aloud to yourself or another. Some people do this activity at the dinner table or share with a buddy. You can keep a journal and record what went well on a daily basis, weekly or several times a week; the journal provides you with a reference to look back on as well.

Keep the exercise fresh

• Connect with the experience of gratitude by being specific, identifying a particular characteristic of a person or specific aspect of an event or object you appreciate.
• Enhance your experience of gratitude by engaging your senses when you recall the item.
• Vary your focus of gratitude to different aspects of your life, for example, work, home life, health, relationships

By focusing on something you appreciate that day, you shift your outlook to be more positive. Overtime, you may develop a heightened awareness of what you’re grateful for and think “I want to include this on my list.”

Shift the focus in conversation

When greeting your patients, after the initial how are you, or even before, ask “What’s going well for you [since we last met]?” This  is a powerful way to set a positive tone to the appointment.

In conversation, when someone is going on about hardship and negativity, after acknowledging the difficulties, ask the person “What’s one thing that is going well?” The effect may be dramatic; from the one item, other positive aspects of the person’s life become apparent. This is a reminder to you too, to look for what you appreciate now.

Express Gratitude Directly to Another

This is particularly effective in that it increases happiness for you and for the recipient. It also builds social connections. The more specific you are in your thanks, the more you are acknowledging the other person, and in so doing you also identify what it is you appreciate. Even writing a gratitude letter and not sending or delivering it has been shown to boost happiness. You know those hallmark cards that sound sappy, well perhaps there is something to them. How can you modify one for someone you appreciate?

For more exploration of how you can bring gratitude into your life and boost your well-being, contact me.

Dina 203.744.YOU3 (9683)

Gratitude has been shown to be a mood booster in a number of studies. Research has found that people who are consistently grateful are more energetic and hopeful. They tend to be more helpful, empathic, and spiritual, and less depressed, anxious, lonely and envious than those who are less predisposed to gratefulness.