There is so much untapped potential in gratitude, and as a society, we’re viewing it all wrong. Do not underestimate the power of thank you!
This post talks about The Power of Thank You and Transforming Relationships Through Gratitude
The Science Behind Gratitude
Gratitude is scientifically proven to impact our physical and emotional well-being. Those who consistently practice gratitude have lower rates of anxiety and depression. The National Library of Medicine even states that gratitude lights up our brain’s reward pathways and releases dopamine (the pleasure chemical). In terms of our physical health, gratitude is linked to lowering our blood pressure and heart rate as well as improving heart health and sleep. It’s quite clear that our mental health is linked to physical health and gratitude is an excellent tool for boosting the two.
The Power of Thank You
A key factor in gratitude is that it’s not just an individual experience. We’re familiar with feeling gratitude or appreciation for something we receive, but what about practicing gratitude with what we can give? The true nature of gratitude is communal, it’s meant to be experienced in community and used as an exchange. A simple thank you is a powerful way of beginning to practice gratitude in community. When we express our appreciation for others we both give and receive the benefits of gratitude.
Appreciation strengthens our relationships because it shows the people that we care about that we acknowledge them. More than anything people want to be seen and heard in their relationships, whether that be romantic, platonic, or familial. Words of affirmation are one of the top love languages and allow people to feel loved and appreciated for what they contribute.
In our professional relationships gratitude is an excellent way to enhance leadership skills or achieve success. Appreciation in the workplace provides us with the opportunity to practice praise (and who doesn’t love being praised at work!). If you’re in a leadership position appreciated and praise inspires a positive work culture rooted in respect and reciprocity. If you’re an employee gratitude positions you as someone easy and joyful to work with, opening you up to more opportunities.
Practical Tips for Expressing Gratitude
1. Crafting Thank You Notes
Sending thank-you notes is an excellent and transformative way to practice gratitude. The act of writing the note is cathartic for you while receiving the note is joyful for who you send it to. “365 Thank Yous” a book by John Kralik explores his year-long gratitude project and how expressing gratitude for others completely transformed his life. A good thank you note is specific, you should outline exactly what it is you’re thanking them for. The specificity of the note shows that you recognize and acknowledge the other person, it allows them to feel seen and for your gratitude to come across as authentic.
2. Daily Gratitude Practice
Adopting a daily gratitude practice will allow you to build gratitude as a habit and a way of life. There are many ways to create a daily gratitude practice, through meditation, journaling, or even daily acts of kindness. You can check out our blog post “Easy Morning Gratitude Practice You Can Start Today “ or download our FREE Gratitude practice guidebook if you need help getting started.
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