The Art of Practicing Gratitude In Tough Times

In challenging times, it can be easy to focus on the struggles and lose sight of the positives. Yet, practicing gratitude can be overlooked as a powerful tool to help you keep perspective. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring difficulties or pretending everything is perfect; it’s about finding and appreciating the glimmers of light, no matter how small.

What is gratitude?

Gratitude means feeling thankfulfor the things in our lives that are good. This can range from big things like being alive and having shelter to small things like the sound of birds chirping or the color of the trees outside.

What does it mean to practice gratitude?

To express gratitude means to actively take the time to either speak out loud, write down, or in some other way recognize the things you’re thankful for. You could do this by keeping a journal, taking mental notes during time spent in nature, or incorporating it into practices of prayer or meditation.

What are the benefits of practicing gratitude?

When you practice gratitude, you tend to feel happier in general which can diminish depression symptoms and feelings of stress as well has have a positive effect on communication with loved ones. Since gratitude promotes relaxation and positivity, it has been linked to improved sleep quality, lower blood pressure, and increased energy levels.

Why can it be harder to find gratitude in tough times?

Anya Weber, Therapist at Centerstone, notes that there are three main obstacles to feeling grateful during difficult moments:

1. You may find yourself in survival mode from being overwhelmed with what’s happening around you. In this case, being grateful may not even be on the radar for you.
2. It can feel fake and like you’re pretending that everything is okay when it’s not.
3. It can feel selfish to think of the good things that you are grateful for in your life when other people have it worse or when you are in the midst of a tough time.

“If you’re in a moment of great distress, let yourself be in that moment and name what you’re feeling,” says Weber, “Acknowledge where you are before you start to think about gratitude.” Next, focus on what is within your control in the moment. Gratitude and empowerment are closely connected, as recognizing the things you can influence—even small ones—can provide a sense of stability and hope. In challenging situations, it’s easy to feel like everything is beyond your control, but there’s always something you can take charge of. Whether it’s deciding how much sleep you get, choosing what you eat, or determining who you interact with, these small acts can foster a greater sense of well-being and resilience.

If you’re looking for a gratitude practice or want guidance on changing your outlook for the better, call Centerstone. Call us at 877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) or visit our website to get started today.