Gratitude
April is officially the first full month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere! Entering into the spring season after a long winter is really exciting - trees are growing leaves, colorful flowers bloom, the air is warmer, and the sun feels great on the skin. Like plants, the birds, and the bees, Spring is a great time to shake off the old, recognize new opportunities, and try growing new things. It is also National Gratitude Month.
As Zig Ziglar said, Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for. Practicing gratitude is a great way to stay grounded and appreciative of the blossoming world around us. To celebrate this season, I have created a Gratitude Challenge for the month of April to guide you through the April showers so that we can appreciate the May flowers!
Simply put, practicing gratitude is consciously, “affirming the good things in the world and the gifts and benefits we've received”.
Another way to describe it is a conscious pausing to appreciate the things we frequently take for granted - like a warm, dry bed, doggie kisses, clean clothes, ample food, people who love us etc.
When we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and make us feel 'good'. They enhance our mood immediately, making us feel happy from the inside.
Here are a few things you should ask yourself to practice gratitude every day:
List 5 little things that you are glad were a part of your day.
What was an unexpected positive thing from today?
What was the best part of my day?
What am I looking forward to?
Trying these simple things can completely change your mood from negative to positive. Try it out!
