'G' is for gratitude. Practicing gratitude is an easy way to boost your mood (and feel less stressed). If you tend to focus more on the negative this can be an easy way to change that around.

When we're stressed, our minds often dwell on the negative—what’s going wrong, what we’re worried about, or what we lack. Practicing gratitude redirects your attention to the positive aspects of your life. By acknowledging what you’re thankful for, you begin to see that there is good, even in difficult times. This new perspective helps you focus on what’s working instead of what’s not.

When you practice gratitude regularly, your brain starts to recognize and prioritize positive experiences more easily. And then your brain begins to find more 'evidence' of good things going on around you. It's kind of like a self-fulfilling prophecy, you find what you look for, and in this case, it's more things to be grateful for.  

Amazingly, research has shown that gratitude can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. This is another example of how gratitude can lower your stress levels. By practicing gratitude, you can reduce cortisol levels, which in turn decreases the physical and emotional symptoms of stress.

And, my favorite thing about gratitude is that it encourages mindfulness by bringing your attention to the present moment. When you’re practicing gratitude, you’re fully engaged in recognizing and appreciating the here and now.  

Unique Ways to Practice Gratitude

While everyone recommends keeping a gratitude journal, it's certainly not the only way to practice gratitude. I searched for unique ways to practice and came up with this list. I especially love to take a walk and feel appreciation for the nature surrounding me.

Let me know in the comments or send me an email about the different ways you like to practice gratitude!