How Intentional Gratitude Can Improve Your Mental Health

We all want a happy life. A good job, a perfect family, financial stability, and a great social life! And in this indefinite pursuit of happiness that is mostly like a mirage, how often do we spare a minute to be thankful for what we already have at this very moment?

For many, Thanksgiving is a day where we practice gratitude and thankfulness. But what if we extended this practice beyond the Thanksgiving table and into our daily life?  Taking a few minutes every day to cultivate gratitude – actively, intentionally and consistently – is a scientifically proven technique to live a happier, healthier life.

A growing number of studies show that developing ‘an attitude of gratitude’ can have a positive and long-lasting impact on our mental health. By consciously practicing gratitude, we can train the brain to attend selectively to positive emotions and thoughts, thus reducing anxiety and feelings of apprehension. What’s more, tapping into gratitude can help you solve problems, be more creative, build resilience, and even strengthen your immune system. The simple act of reminding yourself of the positive things in your life – even as simple as the roof over your head or food on your plate – can invoke feelings of thankfulness and optimism that make managing stress, depression or anxiety easier. In fact, research has found that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed, even if their life circumstances are objectively more challenging.

Gratitude is definitely a practice – no different than learning any other new skill. Especially during a pandemic when many of us are more worried, anxious and stressed than we have ever been, finding reasons to be and stay grateful can sometimes be a challenge. Life can test us in ways we feel we’re not quite prepared to handle. If you are feeling stressed and find it difficult to look through a lens of optimism, the Mental Health Care Team at Delhi Community Health Center can help.

Our Mental Health Professionals specialize in a variety of therapy techniques to help patients learn how to better manage stressful life situations, address emotional challenges, and improve their mental health. Services offered include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Talk Therapy), Marriage & Family Therapy, Life Coaching, Addiction Medicine, EDMR Therapy & more.

The DCHC Mental Health Care Team wants to help you in your pursuit of happiness and be with you along your journey to cultivate an attitude of appreciation. When we are able to find the parts of our day for which to be grateful, something in us shifts for the better. Sometimes it can be more challenging than others, but we can try to find the place of gratitude in all situations – and can usually find it – if we look hard enough. The DCHC Mental Health Care Team wants to help you find the silver lining. Contact us at 318-878-8656 for your confidential consultation.

Click here to learn more about the DCHC Mental Health Services & meet our Mental Health Team.