Pausing for a Moment of Gratitude – Besides feeling good, there are many benefits

How often do you pause to be grateful?  I know how good it makes me feel and I’ve read about the many benefits, so I want to find more times to experience gratitude. So as I sit here, working in my office, I’m taking time to pause and reflect. As I look around and think about this moment, my mind shifts to start noticing more of the good stuff.

I’m grateful for the wonderful ambiance created by my dear friend’s redecorating (the power of priming). I’m grateful for the wonder and convenience of the internet so I can access a wealth of information at my fingertips. I remember the days of scouring the library and making copies. I’m grateful for my daughter singing while she works on her homework in the kitchen. I’m grateful for the warmth from the wood burning stove so I can enjoy temperatures in the mid-70s despite the winter weather outside. (I’m easily chilled.)  I’m grateful to be able to work from home and dress in my comfy fleece pants and jacket. 

I already feel better! And according to research, by spending more time feeling gratitude, I’m more agreeable, more open, less neurotic, more satisfied with my life, less likely to get depressed, more forgiving, have stronger relationships, have better mental and physical health, and the list goes on. Check out this article for more details from the Positive Psychology Program.

Take a moment right now. Look around, think about your current situation. What do you feel grateful for? Take a few extra moments to let the feeling sink in and savor it.

Tina Hallis, Ph.D., is a positivity speaker, trainer, author, and founder of The Positive Edge, a company dedicated to teaching organizations and individuals the power of positivity to improve the quality of people’s work lives and the quality of company cultures.