Author: Lin Lvninghua, Director of Houston Jiaosheng Psychological Counseling Center
In the counseling room, I often help clients who are full of anxiety and depression, especially after more than two years of fear and isolation brought about by the epidemic, the general mood among the crowd is low and anxious.In the past years of counseling experience, I have found that helping clients learn to "give thanks in all things" (17 Thessalonians XNUMX:XNUMX) and establishing a life attitude of gratitude at all times is a very effective anti-depression and anti-anxiety medicine. square.A grateful person is more able to enjoy friendship, establish good interpersonal relationships, and be in a sunny mood.In addition to personal counseling experience, in fact, many recent studies have proved that the Bible says "give thanks in all things", a life attitude of constant gratitude, is one of the important elements for building a healthy and wonderful life.
Grateful people live healthier lives
According to research from Virginia Commonwealth University, grateful people suffer from anxiety and depression symptoms less than the average person.
Research tells us that a grateful heart can help us live more joyfully, build deep relationships, and be free from anxiety and depression. Huntsman Mental Health Institute psychiatrist, Kristin Francis, mentioned in his research that a grateful state of mind can help our brains to produce positive changes, because constant gratitude increases dopamine, serotonin and neurotransmitters, and increases our Emotions make us feel happy and secure.Therefore, if we are always grateful for everything, we will eventually develop a positive attitude towards life that is always grateful.In this study, Dr. Francis, found that when we give thanks for everything in life, we can reverse and re-establish neural connections in the brain, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and making us more able to face the difficulties of life, more Resists emotional setbacks and negative experiences.We can use a gratitude journal and express gratitude to those around us to help deal with our negative emotions, such as feelings of guilt and shame.Another study found that those who focus on counting graces every day and building a grateful attitude are more active in sports, have a more positive life, and have less physical problems than the average person, so they see fewer doctor visits (Harvard Health).Research also shows that people who are grateful and appreciate others tend to exhibit healthier habits, such as taking care of their own physical and mental health.
People who are always grateful have better relationships
In the process of psychological counseling, the author found that many clients are more likely to heal their anxiety or depression symptoms if they are cared for by family members or supported by good friends when they are facing difficulties and challenges in life.Conversely, when clients feel lonely, without the understanding and support of their families, and without friends to talk to, it takes longer for them to get out of their emotional trough and mental distress.
Luna Greenstein argues in his Nami blog that a grateful person is more likely to develop close and deep relationships with others because they are emotionally supportive, forgiving, compassionate, and generous to those in need give.Therefore, they are more able to build rich interpersonal relationships, reduce loneliness and often get practical help from others.
People who are always grateful are more optimistic and have a happier mood
Positive thinking leads to a positive attitude towards life.
The Bible says, "As your heart thinks, so will your deeds." Proverbs 23:XNUMX.Therefore, people who are often grateful have a calmer mood and do not feel that they are often at a disadvantage and are often treated unfairly.Not only that, research from Northeastern University found that people who are grateful for small things are more patient and more able to make informed decisions.In this way, their lives are not compromised by wrong or hasty decisions.People who are grateful are less likely to compare themselves with others, and more satisfied with what they have, instead of being anxious and depressed about what they don’t have.Therefore, the mood is naturally cheerful and optimistic.
We can refer to some of the following suggestions, and start learning "thank you in everything" to build a grateful mentality, so that we can live a strong life and face the new normal after the epidemic.
1. We can use a gratitude journal to record at least four people and things that are worthy of appreciation and gratitude every day.In this way, we can also look back on the good times that have occurred in our lives every day, and develop a more positive and positive attitude towards life.Research shows that writing down these gratitude items before going to sleep can help us fall asleep more easily and improve sleep quality. (Journal of Psychosomatic Research)
2. Express gratitude to the people around you, express appreciation for the help or companionship given by others as usual, or thank you for enabling us to establish good interactions and emotional connections with our family and friends.It also helps us deal with negative emotions, such as feelings of guilt and shame.Every evening when the family gathers for dinner, they can share with each other what they are grateful for that day and appreciate each other, expressing gratitude and gratitude.
3. Learn gratitude from nature and little things.A friend recently shared with me an article titled "492 Things We Can Be Grateful for" You can use the link below to browse and learn to expand the thinking and content of our gratitude. https://rebisimpleliving.com/things-to-be-grateful-for/ So that we will not take it for granted and take it for granted, we will be more cheerful and relaxed
I hope we will start counting graces before we welcome Thanksgiving this November, be grateful for everything, and live a positive, cheerful, and healthy post-pandemic life.