By Leslii Stevens ERYT500, YACEP, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, Ayurveda Practitioner
Gratitude. That buzzword that everyone and their dog swears by these days. You might be rolling your eyes already. Trust me, I’ve been there. But stick with me, because if you’re going through something (and who isn’t?) stress, anxiety, heartbreak, or even just the frustration of your favorite taco place closing down a gratitude practice can help you shift your perspective and support your emotional healing in ways that might surprise you.
When we talk about gratitude, it’s not just about being thankful for the big stuff. Sure, you’re grateful for your health, your family, and Netflix, but the real magic happens when you start noticing the little things. When you practice gratitude regularly, you begin to train your mind to look for these bright spots those mini miracles that happen throughout the day and make life a little less messy.
Why Gratitude Helps Heal
Gratitude is basically the ultimate Jedi mind trick for retraining your brain. When we practice gratitude, we shift from that endless doom scroll in our minds (what went wrong, what could go wrong, the imaginary argument we’ll have with our boss) to something lighter and more positive. And as we focus on what’s good, we naturally start to feel better about our lives and ourselves. It’s like finding those extra fries at the bottom of the bag it wasn’t expected, but wow, it makes things better.
Practicing gratitude has actually been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance physical health. It’s kind of like going to the gym, but for your mental well-being. Plus, it costs you zero dollars. The more you train yourself to be grateful, the easier it is to feel happy even in tough times. When things hit the fan (again), gratitude helps you stay grounded and reminds you there’s still some good out there.
3 Tips to Incorporate Gratitude into Your Life
Here are some ways you can turn gratitude from a “nice idea” into a daily habit that actually makes a difference.
1. The Daily Three: Write It Down
"I can’t keep a journal, I don’t have time!" says everyone, all the time. But don’t worry, I’m not asking you to write a novel. All you need to do is grab a notebook or the Notes app on your cell phone and jot down three things you’re grateful for each day. These don’t need to be big revelations. Maybe it’s the fact that your coffee didn’t taste like burnt toast today or that you found a parking spot close to the yoga studio door.
Pro Tip: Do this in the morning if you can; it sets the tone for your day and helps you start on a positive note. Or, try it at night as a calming way to end the day and remind yourself that you made it through. High five!
2. Incorporate Gratitude into Your Yoga Practice
Yoga and gratitude go together like peanut butter and jelly. Next time you’re in a yoga class (or doing your own thing), take a moment to thank your body for showing up, no matter how you feel that day. During those poses where you’re holding on for dear life, try bringing a little gratitude to each breath. It might sound fluffy, but gratitude can turn a “Why am I doing this?” moment into a “Wow, look what my body can do!” moment.
Bonus Move: At the end of your practice, take a minute in Savasana (that delicious resting pose at the end) to mentally list three things you’re grateful for. That one minute of intentional thankfulness can work wonders.
3. Gratitude “Flash” Meditations
Here’s one for the busy bees (all of us, really): try “Flash” meditations, which are little mini pockets of gratitude you can weave into your day. Whether you’re in line for chi tea, waiting at a red light, or simply having a moment to yourself, stop and think of one thing you’re thankful for. And breathe. That’s it.
It’s quick, but it brings you into the present and reminds you to look for joy, even on the most hectic days. The more often you can do this, the better you’ll get at spotting those hidden gems of gratitude throughout the day.
Turning Gratitude into a Habit
Let’s be real building a gratitude habit isn’t always easy. We’re human, and some days it’s just tough to find anything to be grateful for (looking at you, Mercury in retrograde). But that’s where practice comes in. On tough days, challenge yourself to look for the smallest things: a song you love, that one friend who gets you, or the fact that, hey, you’re here, and you’re doing your best.
With consistency, gratitude turns into a mindset. It’s not a magic cure, but it’s a tool that helps you become resilient, hopeful, and maybe even a little bit happier. When life gets tough, and let’s be honest, it will, gratitude becomes the armor you didn’t know you needed.
Let’s Rock this Planet!
Leslii