How to find gratitude when things aren't going well.

Life can kick you in the butt. FOR REAL.

The universe has a real sense of humor. Daily, reminders show up for us in the most unexpected places. I have put in much work on myself in the last year. I've learned so much about myself and how I need to respond to what life throws at me. The most important thing I have discovered is there is no endpoint. The work we do on ourselves is constant and everchanging. So, whatever you find that works for you, keep at it. Perspective is an essential part of my growth process. Perspective, attitude, and gratitude seem to be intrinsically linked. My perspective impacts my mindset, which, in turn, is reinforced by my gratitude practice. Each is constantly working together to shape my experience and, thus, my response to any situation.

All my parents know that raising kids is one of the hardest things to do. My kids constantly remind me to have perspective. The way they talk to me, the supportive things they do when I'm frustrated, and when they make me laugh to break any tense emotions in the room. When we choose to see the humor in tight situations, it can help us deal with stress. Again, perspective and attitude are everything.

My husband and I have recently taken more interest in comedians. I find that comedians have an innate ability to see the humor in dark and more serious moments in life. Finding the humor when you want to scream with frustration and anger can not only affect your emotional well-being, but laughter can also positively affect your physical well-being. Gratitude can be another tool to help adjust your perspective and allow you to laugh a little more. Who doesn't want a little more laughter in life?

How can gratitude help when things aren't going well? Although it can have a considerable impact, gratitude alone can't change a shitty situation. However, it can impact your perspective or attitude when approaching whom you are dealing with. It can be hard to practice gratitude when the whole world seems to be crumbling.

Developing a practice of gratitude does take time and consistent work. Over time, gratitude work can positively impact our response to difficult situations. One easy option to start is a gratitude journal. As we develop consistent practice, gratitude leads to improved self-talk, which can change the brain's neuropathways. Neuropathways in our brain indicate the immediate response to a stimulus. Refiring neuropathways can initiate a different response. As a result, gratitude work can change our physical and emotional response when life shows up.

Imagine what a few daily exercises could do to change your emotional response when life gets tough. Ten minutes a day could change your brain and have a positive impact on your health at the same time. How amazing is that?!

Research shows gratitude can have a physiological effect on our bodies during stress. It can positively impact the release of stress hormones and affect how our brains respond to future adverse events. Think of it as a muscle that is training for the unknown.

Psychology Today refers to recent research showing three ways gratitude can positively impact your health.

Imagine what a few daily exercises could do to change your emotional response when life gets tough. Ten minutes a day could change your brain and have a positive impact on your health at the same time. How amazing is that?!

Research shows gratitude can have a physiological effect on our bodies during stress. It can positively impact the release of stress hormones and affect how our brain responds to future adverse events. Think of it as a muscle that is training for the unknown.

• Psychology Today refers to recent research showing three ways gratitude can positively impact your health.

It's important to note that while there is evidence supporting these ideas, research on the specific neurological and physiological effects of gratitude is an evolving field, and individual responses may vary. The mechanisms behind these effects may involve complex interactions within the brain and body. References - Khorrami, N. article author

Just a ten-minute practice once a day can significantly impact our ability to adapt when life shows up. Simple activities such as journaling before bed or taking deep breaths in a stressful moment can make a huge difference in our reactions to intense situations. Find what works for you and make it a part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Before you know it, you'll share a little more minty freshness with the world.

Take that next step; you never know what you might find for yourself. Check out our website for additional resources or tools to connect with yourself or those you love.