Being grateful for what you have around you, the people, the material things, can empower you towards your goals. It is almost cliche to think about it as everyone says “oh you should be so grateful you have food, and a roof over your head” etc, but with anxiety plaguing your every thought it is not always that simple.
But it could be.
It takes work. Sometimes it takes daily practice to acknowledge the things you are grateful for, so start small and at the end of each day just think of one thing you were grateful for that happened that day.
Perhaps it rained and you love that, or you were warm with your heater and blankets. Maybe you got a message from someone you care about and it lifted you up.
It doesnt have to be much, just take a moment to express gratitude for that moment.
Over time once you are feeling that gratitude within, it starts to get easier to express it to the people that bring these good things into our lives, it could be through writing them a letter, sending them an email or a text message. Through showing people you are grateful for them you lift both them, and yourself up and your endorphins will race and this eases the pain of anxiety that you might be feeling.
Other ways you can show your gratitude is being there for them in return. If they need you, turn around and spend quality time with them doing something fun. When you have people that listen to you and give you their attention, you can show them your gratitude by giving them that same time in return. I have found in anxious moments, being there and supportive of someone else takes your mind away from issues and giving your focus and care to them can help you see more clearly, and ultimately work through what you need to achieve.
Doing things “just because” can be an incredible way of changing your mindset and lifting your spirits. Send flowers to someone who has done something nice for you. You could also be walking down the street, or in a cafe waiting for food and see someone that looks nice – tell them! You never know just how much a random strangers compliment could turn their day around.
Different people feel gratitude in different ways, each person has their own Love Language. If you’re unfamiliar with this term I highly recommend googling it. Time, gifts, touch (hugs) can be received in different ways by different people.
Smiling at a stranger, can brighten and change their entire day. Smiling is the most universal language in the world.