Recently, I began a daily gratitude practice. Every morning when I shower, I list 10 things I\u2019m thankful for. On a good day, it might be my relationships, the glorious weather and a recent, delicious yoga practice. On a bad day, it may simply be the roof over my head and food in my belly. It doesn\u2019t always come easy, but it does somehow allow me to see my life through a slightly different, more expansive lens (you know, one where I realise for a moment that I\u2019m not actually the centre of the universe).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the surface, having a gratitude practice sounds a bit irksome \u2014like the kind of thing your mum would have insisted upon when you were a kid complaining about eating your broccoli (ie, \u201cDon\u2019t you know how lucky you are? There are kids starving out there!\u201d). But, there\u2019s no denying that gratitude can contribute to your happiness. In 2011, researchers found that grateful contemplation resulted in a physiological response. It activated the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and decreased activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), indicating that gratitude can increase wellbeing and reduce stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A 2003 study on gratitude discovered that those who practised gratitude:
Reported more happiness and joy;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not always easy to muster up a sense of thankfulness though, and at times it may actually be counterproductive, bringing up conflicting emotions and making you feel worse (ie, \u201cI\u2019m a terrible person for not being grateful\u201d). Recent research, which analysed 27 different studies, showed that gratitude interventions had limited benefits for depression and anxiety. This doesn\u2019t mean that gratitude can\u2019t be beneficial; it\u2019s just that it\u2019s not a cure-all, especially when it comes to some mental health challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, gratitude can create a shift in perspective. Dr Lauren Tober, a clinical psychologist and yoga teacher, has experienced this shift firsthand through her photographic project, Capturing Gratitude. In 2012, after having read the positive research on gratitude, she began taking a photo every day of something she felt grateful for. She was surprised by how profound the effects were: \u201cImmediately I was tuned into all that was wonderful in my life, and I found a deep sense of joy and contentment \u2026 In this personal longitudinal study, what has been most profound is that not only have I felt happier and more connected to myself and others, but that I am able to ride the waves of the ups and downs of life with more grace and ease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When reflecting on my own gratitude practice, I have undoubtedly experienced shifts in the way that I view my life and, in turn, make better decisions for myself. For example, when I began to see glimpses of comparison showing up in my gratitude practice (ie, \u201cThat person on Instagram has a better house\/body\/yoga pose than I do\u201d), I decided to spend less time on social media and replace it with the things that I feel fortunate for, such as sitting with my chickens while drinking my morning cup of tea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I\u2019m aware of the things that feel good in my life, I\u2019m more likely to dedicate energy to them. During times of turmoil and overwhelm, my gratitude practice hasn\u2019t necessarily eased my anxiety, but it has provided me with an opportunity to press pause for a brief moment and come back to what truly matters. And for that, I am sincerely grateful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Words JESSICA HUMPHRIES <\/p>\n\n\n\n