Gratitude in Change by Ben Harper

During times of change, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Our brains may be managing and processing a lot of new information, and they can become tired.

Within these resources, we have talked frequently about the importance of gratitude for our wellbeing. It’s thought that taking time to be thankful can have a really positive effect on our wellbeing at any time, but during times of change, this may be even more important.

Being intentionally grateful; noticing, naming and drawing our attention to that which is good, trains our brains to notice positives as we go about our day to day.

In times of change, we may lose sight of the ‘good’.

We may become easily consumed by the challenging. There is always good to be found, even in the most challenging times; the kindness of people, beauty in nature, little wins. This doesn’t mean the challenges aren’t challenging! It’s just that taking time to notice the good, supports our brain to manage the challenges better.

So take some time now to stop and notice the good….

TRY THIS …

What three things have you seen, heard or experienced that have been good?

1.

2.

3.

Can you tell the story about one of these?

Replay the event in your minds eye and try and recreate the experience for someone else by giving them details about sounds, sights, smells, feelings, tastes. Writing this down or recording yourself on voice memo might help you to do this.

did you know?

Research tells us, that people who do this once a day for 21 days, rewire their brains to notice the positives more readily, and as a result they feel happier and more well.

This might be something you want to try for a season or something you want to make a long term habit out of. It may be especially important during times of change in helping you manage well.