World Gratitude Day

World Gratitude Day was established by the United Nations on 21 September to remind us to be mindful, and to show compassion to ourselves and others. Practising gratitude can be a difficult act to incorporate into our daily routine. By dedicating a day for gratitude, we can stop and count our blessings, and see the positive effects on our mental health.

Studies have shown that practicing gratitude is associated with many benefits for our mental and physical health. We are likely to feel greater happiness, more positive emotions, fewer physical pains, and an improved sense of self-esteem. By focusing on what we are grateful for, it can lead to fulfilment and happiness, especially during times where we feel low.

Gratitude is a portal for better psychological health however; it can sometimes be difficult for us to practice gratitude. Small ways that you can recognise gratitude could be by writing lists, meditating, and volunteering. By having the gratitude in front of you in written form, it can help you identify and appreciate the things that you are grateful for. Meditation is also a calming practice, as it helps keep a resilient mind, which then facilitates the act of gratitude. And finally, performing a humble act such as volunteering can expose you to those that are vulnerable or less fortunate than you, and can help you recognise what you have, which in turn becomes gratification.

Practicing and expressing gratitude is cost-free, and an important life skill to learn. World Gratitude Day provides you with an opportunity to take a moment, be mindful, and spread gratitude to your loved ones, and yourself.