6 ways that gratitude pays
26 Nov 2019
Here’s why a regular shot of gratitude could be good for your financial and emotional health year-round.
The countdown to Christmas has officially commenced. There are presents to buy, outfits to try, and parties to attend.
In an ideal world the festive season is a time for fun get-togethers with family and friends. But it can also be a time of financial and emotional stress if you’re feeling pressure to make every Christmas more spectacular than the last one.
While Australians may not celebrate Thanksgiving as part of the holiday season, there is a lot to be gained from being grateful when you’re feeling anxious. And not just at Christmas.
Here’s why a regular shot of gratitude could be good for your financial and emotional health year-round.
Christina Majoinen, founder of Project TGL, says: “Gratitude has been shown by psychological research to be very effective in helping us to notice and enjoy the good things in life.”
If you’re worried about money or you’re not fully enjoying or appreciating the people, possessions, and opportunities you have in your life, it’s an easy and effective way to change your outlook.
Making a habit of writing down a few things each day that make you feel happy, grateful or contented will retrain your brain to see your money and possessions differently.
As you scan your memory for things to savour in life it teaches your brain to notice things worth savouring. Those things may not come with high price tags.
You’ll probably discover they can be the simple pleasures in life such as laughing with friends; taking a bus somewhere you’ve never been; feeling a breeze on a warm day; or having a roof over your head or a comfortable bed.
If you make a daily habit to notice the things that are good in your life over time it will impact in a number of ways.
- You start to feel and notice the good things more easily;
- You notice things to be grateful for when they are happening rather than overlooking things or taking them for granted;
- If you look back over your daily lists you’ll get a sense of how good life is and what you value in your financial world;
- You’ll begin to see negative or challenging events or circumstances in a more positive light – they may be a learning experience or a time when you feel most strongly the love and support of others;
- You’ll appreciate what you already have rather than constantly wanting things to be different or wishing for more; and
- You’ll feel that what you have or own is enough.
“Over time it helps you savour the good things, see events more positively, take things for granted less often and neutralise negative emotions,” Majoinen says.
Ultimately, when you turn your attention to the good things in life you see what is important and it may not be spending every last dollar on presents and gourmet food at Christmas.
It may be savouring the experience of celebrating the Christmas season simply with loved ones. Or remembering that there may be other people who are less fortunate than you either in this country or overseas.
®