How to incorporate daily gratitude into your life and why it's important to do so

Getting caught up in your everyday routine can often prevent you from sitting down and thinking about what makes you enjoy life. Happiness Expert, Gillian Mandich walked us through the importance of gratitude, health benefits and how to slow down your daily life to make time for appreciating every moment. 

BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE

Gratitude can be both a state and a trait. It's a positive emotion that encourages people to appreciate and notice the good things in life. Thinking of something you truly appreciate activates neural pathways in your brain, releasing serotonin and dopamine which makes you feel good. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLOWING DOWN

The simple task of counting your blessings every morning, afternoon, or evening will have a much bigger effect on your life than you may think. Not only will it increase your positive emotions, but it can also sustain them over time while having a positive influence on your well-being. From better sleep or a stronger immune system, regularly practicing gratitude will change your life in more ways than one.

REASONS TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE

While practicing gratitude is important, so is expressing it. Whether you share what you're grateful for with others or take the time to be as present in the moment as possible, you're capable of spreading positivity and helping it grow. 

WRITING DOWN WHAT YOU'RE GRATEFUL FOR

A great way to practice gratitude is by writing down three things that you're grateful for every day. Whether it's your cozy bed or hot coffee, thinking about things that make your life a little better has many benefits. You can set aside a few minutes at the start of your day or before bed to do this. It doesn't matter what you focus on when you think about what you're grateful for. For example, it could be a body part you love or something you learned. The main purpose is to get specific and detailed so that you can engage your senses. From the feeling of new sheets on your skin to the delicious taste of your morning smoothie, the more descriptive you get, the better. 

FINDING GRATITUDE IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Life is never easy and it's okay to go through the motions of feeling sad, low or anxious. During those moments, it's often difficult to think of things you're thankful for. The good news is that you don't need to pressure yourself into fishing for the "right" answer. Even in the worst of times, there is often something or someone that makes things just a little better.