Build Up Your Gratitude Muscles With These 6 Strategies

Most of us are constantly under pressure right now and we aren’t sure when we will feel some relief. It’s only natural for us to occasionally feel worn out or even a bit down.

The good news is that something as simple as refocusing your attention from your challenges to acknowledging the things that you

are grateful for in your life can instantly boost your mood.

Studies show that practicing gratitude on a regular basis can raise your mood and also boost your self-esteem, will power, long term health, and even your level of success in life!

Beat the blues with these practices to help you develop your sense of gratitude:

1. Keep a list of the things you’re grateful for.

The next time that you feel angry, frustrated, or a bit depressed, make a list and literally count your blessings. Making a list helps you to stop obsessing over the current situation.

* How about keeping a 100 list on the fridge? Anyone who wants to add something to the list can easily do so. Getting the kids involved in practicing gratitude is beneficial for the entire family.

2. Start the day on a positive note.

Set the tone and focus for the rest of your day by taking a few moments each morning

to review the positive things in your life.

* Self-questions can be a great way to focus on the positive

aspects of your life. Good questions to ask include: “What’s something good that is

happening right now,” “What opportunities await me today,” or “Whose love am I grateful

for?”

3. Be alert to the goodness all around you.

It’s hard to have a positive attitude if you focus on only the negative things happening

around you. Make a point to consciously seek the good in everything, especially in

small, simple things such as a child’s innocent laughter or the beauty found in nature.

4. Perform random acts of kindness.

You can increase your own gratitude by being someone else’s reason for thankfulness.

Practice random acts of kindness by unexpectedly helping others.

* What may seem like a small act to you can be a very large act of

generosity to someone who is in need. Look for opportunities each day to help someone

else. The other person will be thankful for your generosity and you’ll be grateful for the

boost in your self-esteem and mood.

5. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Why not document the things that you’re grateful for by recording them with a photo?

You can even spread the good thoughts around by sharing your gratitude pictures on

your social media accounts.

6. Save notes of gratitude, instead of loose

change, in a jar.

Too busy to make gratitude lists or keep a gratitude journal? Try writing short notes

about gratitude to yourself and keeping them in a jar!

* Whenever you need an encouraging word, remove one of the

notes and read it to instantly perk up your mood!

There are difficult times in everyone’s life, but

practicing gratitude on a regular basis gives you the

power and inspiration to remain positive as you

overcome challenges.