By Molly Balison
Word on the Street Issue 49, November 2024
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I got used to waking up with anxious knots in my chest caused by the combination of stress, sleep deprivation and tightness in my back. I started the day frustrated and exhausted and plowed through the mental piles of work I had to do that day.
When I practice gratitude, I notice a huge difference in my perspective, mood, and productivity. To set the tone for my day I try to dedicate at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of quiet time of reflection, prayer and reading. When I skip this soul-filling time, it has a domino effect, negatively affecting the rest of my day.
Gratitude is the feeling of deep appreciation and thankfulness in life. This emotion can be harnessed to alter your neural pathways. Serotonin and dopamine (the happy chemicals) are released in the brain when we give or receive gratitude. It goes beyond a short term effect. Gratitude has an overall positive effect on people’s mental health and well being. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published a study that proved gratitude increases self-esteem, quality of sleep, and resilience while reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
The Journal of Happiness Studies found that practicing gratitude at least 5 days a week for 15 minutes at a time over a 6 week period can drastically improve mental wellbeing. Gratitude can not only be a coping tool, but it can encourage others as well. It can look as simple as saying “thank you” to someone or as intentional writing down 5 things you’re grateful for each day.
In honor of the month of gratitude, the WOTS editorial staff sat in a circle in the Phoenix building, where Project Well Being is held, describing what gratitude means to them and shared what they’re currently grateful for. Folks found that they held a deep appreciation for Interfaith, the programs that have changed their lives, and the friends the place has gifted them with. We want to pass the gratitude forward and inspire you to consider practicing gratitude — this month and every month.
