As humans, we experience various emotions on a day-to-day basis, both positive and negative. Although our emotions provide us with information about our experiences, there is one emotion in particular that is known that have many positive effects on both our physical and mental well-being and that emotion, is the emotion of gratitude. Gratitude is proven to impact individuals on both an individual and dyadic level. Gratitude enhances our well-being, our mental and physical health, improves sleep, improves social connections, and enhances meaning in life. That being said, gratitude can be used as an intervention to leads to the various positive effects listed above, amongst others. Interventions that can be used include the following:
* Journaling exercises- journaling on a weekly basis about experiences of gratitude can help to cultivate gratitude
* Reflecting on aspects of gratitude on a daily basis
* Take a moment to savor to savor or reflect on gifts that were provided to you and think about their value, take time to write them down every night before going to sleep
* Meditation can help to promote gratitude
* Taking the time to notice and become aware of blessings that we normally take for granted
* Writing and recording one’s blessings, translating one’s thoughts into words
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, there are many options available, including professional counseling. Please call us at (215) 487-1330 or email us at Greenridge@intercommunityaction.org for more information about our counseling services.
Author: Gabriella Podolski, M.A.
Reference
Emmons, R. A., & Stern, R. (2013). Gratitude as a Psychotherapeutic Intervention. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(8), 846-855. doi:10.1002/jclp.22020