Gratitude
Gratitude is the simple practice of noticing what’s good and letting yourself feel glad about it. Regular gratitude makes people feel happier, less stressed, and more resilient, and is linked with better sleep, mood, and even heart health.
What gratitude is
Gratitude means paying attention to the good things in your life (big and small), recognising that they’re not guaranteed, and letting that matter to you.
People who practise gratitude more often tend to report more positive emotions, less anxiety and depression, and a stronger sense of connection with others.
Why gratitude helps
Focusing on what’s going well shifts attention away from constant threat-scanning and worry, which can lower stress and improve mood.
Studies and reviews find that simple gratitude exercises can reliably improve life satisfaction, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and support healthier behaviours and sleep.
Simple daily practices
You don’t need anything fancy. Pick one or two of these:
Three-things list: Once a day (morning or evening), write down three things you’re glad about today and a sentence on why for each (a person, a moment, something you learned, something you enjoyed).
Gratitude pause: Once or twice a day, stop for 30–60 seconds and really notice one “small” good thing (a cup of tea, a comfortable chair, a message from a friend) and let yourself feel “I’m glad this is here.”
Say it out loud: Once a day, thank someone directly for something specific they did or are for you (“Thanks for listening earlier,” “I appreciate you making dinner”). This strengthens both your mood and your relationships.
Bedtime rewind: Before sleep, mentally replay the day and pick out one moment you wouldn’t want to lose. Sit with that memory for a few breaths and let the appreciation sink in.
Tips to make it real (not fake-positive)
Include the hard stuff: You can be grateful and honest about pain (“I’m going through something tough, and I’m grateful for these two small supports right now”). Gratitude is not pretending everything is fine.
Go specific, not grand: “That ray of sun on my face when I opened the curtains” works better than “I’m grateful for life.” The brain responds more to concrete details.
How gratitude supports peak-growth
Practising gratitude widens your “window of tolerance,” making it easier to stay present and calm when life is stressful.
Over time, you train your attention to look for value and meaning first, which reduces defensive thinking and makes it easier to process each moment cleanly, which is exactly the kind of mental environment peak-growth depends on.
Further Reading
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