Attitude Of Gratitude: Thrive During Stressful Times

By Jeff Kucine, DO

Back To Balance

. https://www.drkucine.com/

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Attitude Of Gratitude: Thrive During Stressful Times

We’re all in this together. None of us foresaw it’s coming and no one could have predicted the far-ranging and stressful effects of the global pandemic in our midst. With business closings and perhaps our favorite restaurant closing, canceled sporting events, changes in school attendances, facing difficulties financially, socially, and psychologically, we are all under a new burden of stress causing anxiety. 

One thing we can do to survive and even thrive during these challenging times is a daily practice of gratitude. A gratitude practice is especially appropriate as we approach the holiday of Thanksgiving. Even this is stressful for many as they contemplate whether or not to get together for the Thanksgiving meal or practice social distancing so as not to put our elder family members at risk for catching COVID-19. 

It’s a huge challenge to be grateful when you find yourself newly unemployed, not visiting with friends and family, juggling your time with kids at home, not being able to travel, and the list goes on and on. Easy to focus on what’s wrong, but like the saying goes “the grass is always greener, where you water it!” When we stay focused on what’s wrong in our lives it “fertilizes” that perception and expands its presence in our lives. This serves to add more stress and anxiety in a snowball-like effect.

It’s not easy but we can choose to focus on what’s right and good in our lives to “fertilize” and expand these feelings serving to reduce stress and anxiety. It won’t be easy at first, but think of at least three things you can be grateful about. 

Did you wake up this morning? That’s a miracle we take for granted. Did your loved ones wake up as well –  wow what a gift! Did the sun rise? Are there birds singing outside your window? Did you just take a sip of your favorite coffee or juice? Sounds elementary and simple, because it is. Being aware of all the gifts in our lives is “fertilizing” all the beautiful and positive aspects of our lives and “grows” gratitude and happiness thereby decreasing discontent and anxiety. However, it is a practice that takes just a little time and thought, but must be done daily to work.

Harvard Health has found that a gratitude practice creates a flow of positive emotions that leads to a decrease of anxiety and a happier life. Positive thoughts also create the release of certain neurohormones that can eventually lead to a stronger immune system, which we can all benefit from, especially during the current pandemic.

It may seem counter intuitive at first but give it a try – “water the garden of gratitude” in place of what’s not right in your life and watch the weeds of anxiety and fear and discontent be pulled from the beautiful and bountiful garden of your life.