Stop the Complaining Voice Today!

The other day I was waiting in line and a couple behind me were talking about the tons of errands, responsibilities and chores they had to get done. “We have to get the groceries done, but then we gotta make dinner and take Joey to hockey.” “But I have to finish up the table in the garage and I wanted to work out tonight.” It soon turned into a debate about which items were more important and how they would fit everything in. Sound familiar? So often when stress begins to build up in our lives, we forget the good and positive things we have to feel grateful for. I know, I know – right now, there’s a part of you saying – what is that going to do? I’m too busy to be grateful! That won’t change anything! If you’re reading this then you want things to improve, so try to silence that more negative perspective and give yourself a moment to check out this research on the effects of gratitude. You’ll be glad to lose the complaining voice and replace it!

1. Gratitude Creates a More Optimistic Perspective
Researchers found that people who took just a few minutes each day to write out a few reasons they were grateful experienced more optimism about their life and felt better about their lives. In addition, people were also more motivated and encouraged to exercise and see their physician less. If you find yourself throughout the day complaining, only thinking the worst, worrying about the future – this may be a helpful strategy for you. (https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/in-praise-of-gratitude)

2. Positive Effects on Your Relationship
When couples expressed their gratitude to each other and meaningful and deliberate ways, studies found that couples felt more positive toward their partner and felt more open to expressing any concerns they may have (https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/in-praise-of-gratitude). Other studies have found that couples going through stressful life situations benefitted from appreciating each other. Not only did partners feel more joy and satisfaction with their relationship, but they also felt less tired and more willing to help their partner other days. So give your sweetie a thank-you in your own special way! (https://www.mindful.org/can-gratitude-help-couples-through-hard-times/)

3. Huge Benefits to Mental Health
Numerous studies have found that mental health issues like anxiety and depression are reduced and eased with the continued use of gratitude. And you don’t just have to always say what you’re grateful for – studies have found thanking others and expressing sincere gratitude had the same effects! Stress is another issue that can be greatly relieved with gratitude. Researchers have found that feeling grateful for even little items in a person’s life can reduce stress hormones, blood pressure and cause the person to feel more satisfaction about their life and behave more kindly to others. (https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/benefits-of-gratitude-research/)

This is just the beginning of what this one tool that can do for your life. It can be used in a variety of ways to feel more joy, presence and motivation. Email us today to find other ways in which you can create these changes for yourself!   Nicole Bolotenko Counselling Associate  nicole@jeffpacker.com