Finding Positive Emotions And Peace Through Giving Thanks

Giving thanks can be seen as an essential practice that many cultures and traditions around the world value. Gratitude, or appreciating the good things in life, generally has deep roots in human history. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, expressions of gratitude have often been used to promote harmony, strengthen relationships, and improve personal growth. Although giving thanks may seem unfamiliar to some, the benefits of practicing gratitude can be hard to deny. Giving thanks may not only strengthen interpersonal connections but may also contribute to greater emotional well-being. A licensed therapist can help you develop a healthy relationship with gratitude through in-person or online therapy.

Exploring the origins of giving thanks

One of the most well-known celebrations of giving thanks is likely the Thanksgiving holiday celebrated each fall in the U.S. This event is believed to have been modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. Although the modern Thanksgiving holiday is typically celebrated in late November, harvest festivals have taken place in various regions throughout history, often coinciding with local harvest seasons.

Celebrations of harvest are not necessarily the only times when people express gratitude. Giving thanks can also be a key part of various religious practices globally. Many religious texts contain prayers of thankfulness. In addition, many special ceremonies and rituals are dedicated to showing appreciation to gods, which can show how important giving thanks may be in different cultures and spiritual beliefs.

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude may greatly benefit one's mental and emotional well-being. To develop a mindset of gratitude, you might start by giving thanks regularly for both tangible and intangible gifts you receive. Having a gratitude journal to record things you're thankful for may be an effective technique to practice gratitude daily. 

Expressing gratitude may also help us strengthen our relationships with others. When we show appreciation, the person we thank may be encouraged to continue being kind and helpful. This may contribute to a cycle of positive interactions. 

In addition, we might acknowledge and thank external factors if we believe in a higher power, which may help us recognize the good things in our lives. By regularly expressing our thanks, even for the small things, we might start to see the world from a more positive viewpoint.

The relationship between gratitude and peace

In addition, gratitude may lead to peace as we share positive and encouraging words with others. When people are supported and uplifted by verbal affirmations, they may be more likely to experience confidence that brings inner peace. Having a sense of the good in life can likewise combat feelings of stress or worry. 

What’s more, gratitude practices can not only enhance our emotional well-being, but they can also positively affect our brain's functioning. Neuroscientists have found that gratitude tends to stimulate two crucial regions in our brain: the hypothalamus, which typically regulates stress, and the ventral tegmental area, which is normally involved in the brain's reward system. 

The role of gratitude in stress management

Stress can be an inevitable part of life, whether it comes from school, work, or personal matters. However, practicing gratitude may be helpful in managing and reducing stress. By shifting our focus from what's going wrong to what's going well, we may be able to change our perspective for the better.

Research suggests that gratitude may help us navigate stress by shifting our focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. When we're stressed, we tend to dwell on the problems at hand, often blowing them out of proportion. Gratitude might offer a refreshing perspective, reminding us of our strengths, the support we have, and the positive parts of our lives.

Suppose you're a student overwhelmed by the number of assignments due at the end of the week. Instead of dwelling on the workload, you might try to appreciate the opportunity to learn new things and further your education. Recognizing the value of education may reduce the stress you experience regarding completing assignments.

Ways to express gratitude

Appreciating others can be a key part of our interactions with people. There can be many ways to show your thanks:

Saying "thank you"

This is generally thought to be the simplest and most common way to show gratitude. Verbally expressing your thanks can make a difference in someone's day. Try to remember to say thank you when someone has helped you or done something with kindness.

Writing a note or letter

A handwritten note or letter may be a thoughtful gesture, showcasing your time and effort in expressing thanks. You might write a personal message highlighting the reasons you appreciate the person and consider how their actions have positively impacted your life.

Giving a gift

Offering a well-thought-out and meaningful gift may demonstrate your appreciation. It doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive to express gratitude. The perfect gift can show that you know what the person likes and that you appreciate them.

There may be other creative ways to say thank you. You could help the person with something they need, cook them a meal, or just spend time listening to what they have to say. When you're showing your thanks, you may want to make sure it fits what the person would like and show your feelings honestly. Ultimately, the act of expressing gratitude can be a way to remind ourselves and others that we are not alone in life's journey. 

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy may be a convenient way to explore gratitude with a licensed professional and understand its positive effects on mental health. This option can offer several benefits, including flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. With the ability to connect with a therapist from the comfort of your own home, you may be able to receive guidance and support on your gratitude journey without the hassle of commuting to in-person appointments. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

One study found that an internet-based gratitude intervention tended to be effective in reducing repetitive negative thinking over five weeks. This type of online intervention may be particularly helpful for people living with anxiety and depression, although anyone interested in addressing concerns regarding negative thoughts may benefit.