Why A Morning Gratitude Ritual Is Crucial For Your Well-Being
April 26, 2024
I wake up every morning and feel pretty damn grateful. Even when life feels hard, impossible, challenging, even when I’m in a low, I still create time for gratitude.
Because all too well, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of life and especially caught up in all that I don’t have. I forget to stop and appreciate the good things around me. I can be smack dab in the middle of what I wanted/worked for/dreamt of and can find myself wanting more. I lose the plot point of what I have right now. That’s why this particular ritual is critical.
Even when we see and hear so many things about why gratitude is so important, it can take us awhile before we finally become aware of that and make it a pillar in our day …
we get in our own damn way of feeling gratitude
There can be several reasons why we get in our own way of gratitude:
Our brains are wired to pay more attention to negative experiences than positive ones. This bias can sometimes overshadow feelings of gratitude, making it harder to recognize and express gratitude.
We often compare ourselves to others, which can lead to feelings of envy or inadequacy. When we focus on what others have that we don't, it can be difficult to feel grateful for what we do have.
When we're stressed or anxious, our minds tend to fixate on the things that are causing us distress rather than on the things we're grateful for. This can make it challenging to cultivate a sense of gratitude.
We can get caught up in our busy lives and overlook the things we have to be grateful for. We may simply not take the time to pause and reflect on the positive aspects of our lives.
Expressing gratitude can make us feel vulnerable as it sometimes requires acknowledging the positive actions or qualities of others. This fear of vulnerability may prevent us from expressing gratitude openly.
To get through these requires intentional effort and practice. Cultivating a consistent practice of gratitude, especially in the morning, is a game-changer for our mental and emotional well-being. Here's why morning gratitude is so powerful and how you can integrate it into your daily routine.
The Power of Morning Gratitude
Picture this: you wake up to the gentle glow of dawn, stretch your limbs, and take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life. It might seem simple or something relegated for the movies, but this act of gratitude sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
Here's why it works:
Shifts Focus to the Positive: In a world inundated with negativity, practising gratitude redirects our attention to the abundance in our lives. It's like flipping a switch from scarcity to abundance, reminding us of the countless great things in our lives we often take for granted.
Boosts Mood and Energy: Expressing gratitude triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals flood our brains with happiness and contentment, energizing us to tackle the day with a fresh perspective.
Builds Resilience: Life is full of ups and downs, but gratitude acts as a buffer against the hard times. By acknowledging the good, we develop a more optimistic outlook, fostering resilience to weather life's inevitable storms.
Tips for Practicing Morning Gratitude
How can we incorporate morning gratitude into our daily lives? Here are three simple tips to get started:
Cultivate Awareness of Small Joys: Take a moment to think about the little things that bring you joy—a hot cup of coffee, a conversation with your best friend, or the beauty of nature. By appreciating these small moments, you cultivate a mindset of gratitude.
Celebrate Personal Achievements: Whether it's finishing a hard task or making progress toward your goals, be proud of your accomplishments and celebrate often. Recognizing your own achievements boosts self-esteem and reinforces a sense of gratitude for your abilities.
Nurture Relationships: Our connections with others are a constant source of support and joy. Express gratitude for the people in your life—friends, family, mentors—who enhance your journey and lift you up when you need it most.
Worried that you’ll write the same thing over and over?
It's common to find yourself repeatedly grateful for the same things, especially when those aspects of your life hold significant importance or consistently bring you joy. When you expand your gratitude it can help you discover new sources of appreciation and deepen your overall sense of thankfulness.
Here are some strategies for expansive gratitude:
Seek Variety: Make a deliberate effort to find different aspects of your life to be grateful for each day. Think about people, experiences, opportunities, possessions, nature, or even your own personal qualities.
Challenge Yourself: Set a goal to find a certain number of unique things to be grateful for each day or week. Look beyond the obvious and discover the hidden blessings in your life.
Reflect on Challenges: Consider any difficulties or obstacles you've faced recently and reflect on what you've learned or gained from those experiences. Even in tough times, there are always silver linings or moments of growth to be grateful for.
Practice Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment and cultivate awareness of the little things that often go unnoticed. Simple pleasures like a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a stranger, or a moment of quiet reflection can spark gratitude.
Over time, you may find that your gratitude becomes more diverse and profound, enhancing your overall sense of well-being.
The Science Behind Writing Gratitude
While just thinking about gratitude is beneficial, research suggests that writing it down amplifies the effects. When you write it down it engages a cognitive processes and strengthens neural pathways associated with gratitude. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and jotting down three things you're thankful for each morning to maximize the positive impact on your well-being.
Starting your day with gratitude is not just a feel-good exercise; it's a potent tool for personal growth and fulfillment. By starting a morning gratitude ritual, you cultivate a mindset of abundance, resilience, and joy that sets the stage for a thriving life.
So, now that you’ve finished reading this, take a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks for what you’re grateful for in your life. (feel free to email me with that as added accountability)
Your future self will thank you for it.
And PS, I’m grateful you’re here and for reading this!
Breathe it in, be deliberate, and be good to yourself!
Chelsea
aka The Deliberate One
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