Dr. Megan Hanna

Negativity has a sneaky way of creeping into our thoughts and lives. It might start with a single negative thought. Before long, it’s infiltrated more of our thoughts and affected how we feel about what we’re doing, the day we’re having, or even how we’re living our lives. Even so, we don’t have to let negativity control our lives. Cloaking ourselves with gratitude can be a way to fight back and kick negativity to the curb.

You might be thinking, “Yeah, right. That sounds like pseudoscience.” However, the idea that gratitude can change the way you think is supported by real science. So, before you relegate this idea to your virtual recycle bin, let’s take a moment to explore some of the research behind gratitude as a tool we can use to change our minds and lives.

Findings from UCLA Health, the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, and the Mayo Clinic Health System provide compelling evidence that gratitude can significantly impact our mental and physical health. Resources such as these demonstrate that regular practice of gratitude can enhance mental wellness, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep and heart health, and increase overall life satisfaction. These benefits arise from gratitude’s ability to shift focus away from negative emotions and foster social connections and positive thinking.

Additionally, Dr. Travis Bradberry, in his TEDx Talk called “The Power of Emotional Intelligence,” suggests that gratitude can play a role in enhancing emotional intelligence and reducing stress. By focusing on what we are thankful for, we can mitigate negative emotions and improve our response to challenging situations. This approach encourages a positive outlook and fosters better emotional health.

When I choose to think about all the things for which I can be grateful, it’s much harder to let negative thoughts take control. It’s a way for me to take back control and not let negative feelings overwhelm me. I’m able to remember that I don’t need to let my emotions control me. Rather, I’m in control of how I react to situations. The way I react can also influence those around me.

With these last ideas in mind, I’ll close by sharing the TEDx talk linked below titled “The Power of Choosing Gratitude.” The next time I feel negative thoughts creep in, I’ll take a moment to pause and put together a list of some of the things for which I am grateful. Here’s to reflecting on that for which we can be grateful and finding simple ways to choose joy, even when life tries to get the best of us.