There’s always something in life to be thankful for and it’s called gratitude. When a person experiences the feeling of gratitude, they’re likely to reciprocate it and pass it along. Expressing appreciation and showing kindness towards others and yourself is sure to bring positivity to all.
Why Gratitude is Important?
Gratitude can deliver various physical, psychological, emotional, and social benefits. It helps us appreciate all the positive aspects and people in our lives. In times of uncertainty, gratitude helps keep us grounded in allowing a positive mindset, outlook, and hope for a better outcome.
It Is the Root of Happiness
Feeling grateful boosts happiness and fosters positive physical and psychological health benefits. Studies show that practicing gratitude shifts our inner attention away from negative emotions such as resentment and envy.
Gratitude moves people to thoroughly enjoy good experiences, better their health, face adversity, and maintain strong relationships, which in turn makes them happier.
It helps us focus on what we have, be in the present moment, and appreciate our blessings. When your mind focuses on everything that you’re thankful for, you’ll feel a sense of peace that what you have is enough.
Improves Your Overall Well-Being
Gratitude boosts your self-esteem and confidence, which in turn promotes positive moods and outlooks on life. People who actively express gratitude tend to be more engaged in healthy activities, like eating well and exercising. This leads to higher energy levels, improved sleep, and a stronger immune system.
To help you gain a better night’s sleep by reducing feelings of anxiety and stress, try practicing gratitude at bedtime by listing the things you feel grateful for like your family, friends, accomplishments, good health, or simply bringing a smile to someone’s face.
Cultivating More in Your Life
The easiest way to start energizing your attitude of gratitude is by choosing to appreciate all things in life, no matter if it’s big or small.
Appreciating what you have can bring more feelings of optimism and satisfaction, thereby reducing your feelings of frustration, envy, and regret. Here are a few ways to cultivate more gratitude and thanks in your everyday life.
- Create a Gratitude List or Journal: Write down what you’re grateful for, proud of, and excited about. Reflect and acknowledge the things you’ve done and accomplished. Give yourself credit for the big and small wins you’ve achieved.
- Acknowledge and Give Thanks: Acknowledge other people and thank them for inspiring/helping/supporting you.
- Surround Yourself with Positive Inspiration: Surround yourself with people who share a mindset of gratitude and spend more time with them. After all, gratitude and appreciation are contagious!
- Practice Meditation: Meditation focuses on the present moment without judgment. Often people will concentrate on a word or phrase; however, meditation can direct their attention to the people or things you are grateful for. This expresses self-appreciation, helping you to foster a deeper feeling of gratitude in your life.
Having an attitude of gratitude is one of the healthiest habits for cultivating a fulfilling and happy life.
Kindness is Priceless Gift
Grateful people generally have a higher desire to help, support a cause, and are more attentive to how they express gratitude.
Peach State believes an attitude of gratitude greatly improves prosperity within our local communities. Each year, Peach State donates time, materials, and money to organizations in our service area through the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation. With the help of our members and community, we are able to help make a difference to combat food insecurity, provide scholarships and educational grants for students, support local art initiatives, and so much more.
The foundation is supported by our C.A.R.E.S. Visa Debit Card program as well as contributions from outside donors. For every purchase made with a Peach State Visa Debit Card, Peach State donates a nickel to the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, which supports non-profits, school systems, and the arts in the communities within our footprint.1
1 $0.05 per transaction of Peach State Federal Credit Union’s merchant interchange income from our Visa Debit Card program is used to benefit the communities we serve. We will determine where/how funds are disbursed. This does not affect members’ accounts nor will any member information be disclosed. You will not incur any additional fees or charges from this program. Merchant interchange income is derived from fees that a merchant pays to accept credit/debit card payments. The C.A.R.E.S. program may or may not apply to ATM transactions, certain commercial transactions, or other transactions not processed by Visa.
