The Power of Gratitude

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” ~ Amy Collette

In what has been a very difficult year for many of us, gratitude has helped staff and clients at The Women’s Center find joy and hope.

Research tells us that gratitude positively impacts our overall health and well-being, and significantly reduces the symptoms of depression and anxiety. “Gratitude in any form can enlighten the mind and make us feel happier. It has a healing effect on us.” (Russell and Fosha, 2008) By practicing mindful gratitude, we can retrain the brain to focus on positive emotions and thoughts, which helps reduce anxiety and stress.

Gratitude is not a ‘quick fix’ for stress. Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean that we will always be happy, but helps us recognize the times when we are sad and focus on the good things that still exist in our lives.

Source: https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/