While the Coronavirus pandemic feels like the most devastating event of our lifetime, it’s important to look for the small victories in this time of crisis. We can do this by sharing what we’re grateful for during this incredibly difficult time. I know that sounds ridiculous, but gratitude can actually dissipate fears, anger, and sadness. So in the spirit of positivity, here are eight mental health benefits that gratitude offers — even during the Coronavirus pandemic.
1. Gratitude shields you from negativity.
When you practice gratitude, you focus on the good in your life instead of what’s going wrong. Does this mean you don’t have negative thoughts? Absolutely not! Those negative thoughts will still be there.
However, gratitude helps. When adjust your perspective and learn to see the purpose behind your negative thoughts. Sometimes, negative thoughts protect you and help you stand strong. When you shift your perspective to focus on the good happening in life, you end up shielding yourself from the negative. You empower yourself by being grateful.
2. Gratitude makes you happier.
When we appreciate people, things, and experiences, our life feels more purposeful. When we feel like we have a purpose, we feel more happy and peaceful.
By taking time to express our gratitude in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, we connect with our true self and discover what our true purpose includes. Discovering this purpose will ultimately make you feel happier because it gives your body a natural high. Who doesn’t want more of that?
3. Gratitude eliminates stress.
In times like these, it’s easy to feel like life is just happening to you. Your negative thoughts can cripple you and make you feel like a victim.
You are the author of your life, though. Life is for you, not against you, so take time to appreciate all that life gives you each day. Include the small stuff like food, water, shelter, and clothing as well as the larger things. When you exercise the muscle of gratitude each day, it will eliminate stress and help you feel more in control of your life.
4. Gratitude restores your inner peace.
How do less fortunate people find true peace and joy in what they have, while some billionaires appear completely miserable? Because it’s not about how much money you make, but rather accepting your circumstances.
Gratitude restores a peaceful mind because it helps us remain present in our lives. When we reflect with a grateful heart, we don’t worry about the past or the future. This helps restore our inner peace and creates a harmonious mind. With a peaceful mind, we can accept anything that comes into our lives.
5. Gratitude boosts self-esteem.
We all experience stress, but how we cope with it matters. Those who constantly play the victim feel tired and eventually widdle away their self-esteem.
When you shift your energy to positivity, though, you’ll suddenly notice all of the “good” happening around you. You’ll appreciate life experiences more and feel more energized and self-assured. This is why a grateful heart can be the best self-esteem boost ever.
6. Gratitude enhances the Law of Attraction.
The Law of Attraction invites endless possibilities into your life, giving you the freedom to make anything possible. You must learn how to surrender yourself to this endless freedom, though. When you practice gratitude on a regular basis, you start releasing the reins of control and trusting that the world will take care of you. This, in turn, allows the Law of Attraction to begin working in your favor.
7. Gratitude improves relationships.
When you’re grateful for the people around you, you attract loving relationships. Positive energy attracts positive energy, so you’re only able to see the world in a positive manner if that positivity already exists inside of you. When you see love and gratitude, you also start to see how much love and gratitude you’re getting, too. This can improve your relationships and help you build more meaningful connections.
8. Gratitude brings joy.
Gratitude helps you recognize the joy in your life, plain and simple. Who doesn’t want more joy in their life?
Gratitude gives you a healthy perspective and restores balance in your life. With all the fear and anxiety over Coronavirus right now, it’s the perfect time to practice gratitude and appreciate what you do have in your life.
Previously published on Your Tango.
Featured Photo by Trent Szmolnik on Unsplash.
