The Power of Gratitude
Material provided in collaboration with the UBCO Nursing Student’s Gratitude Project, represented by Chelsea, Brodie, Anika, and Kevin.
Human individuality is something to be celebrated. However it remains undeniable that we are all united in the desire to be happy. While we may search for happiness in material objects or concrete objectives, Positive Psychology has found these efforts to be ineffective. As an alternative, a totally free and scientifically-proven method has been discovered! Let’s start a conversation about the power of practicing GRATITUDE.
The whole concept of gratitude is to acknowledge the goodness that already exists in your life. This method of achieving increased happiness and wellbeing is totally accessible for everyone! You don’t have to wait until you land your dream job, have loads of money in the bank, or go on a tropical vacation before you allow yourself to see positivity and an abundance of things to be grateful for in your life.
Research in the field of Positive Psychology shows that people who consistently work on maintaining a grateful mindset report the following physical, psychological, and social benefits:
Table displaying various benefits of gratitude practices
To gain these benefits of gratitude, it is helpful to view gratitude as a skill. Like any skill, it becomes easier with practice. The more you engage with gratitude, the stronger your mind will become at viewing the positivity and abundant sources of gratitude in your life.
The University of British Columbia Nursing Students and Third Space Students have partnered on a mission to encourage the youth of our community to develop and maintain mental wellness through the practice of gratitude. For the month of July, we will be providing daily gratitude exercises on Instagram @thirdspacestudents to help guide the practice of internally feeling, and externally expressing gratitude.
References
Smith, M., M.A., & Segal, J., Ph.D. (2020, April). Cultivating happiness. Retrieved July 01, 2020, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/cultivating-happiness.htm
Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2010). Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)), 7(11), 18–22.
Emmons, R. (2010, November 16). Why gratitude is good. Retrieved July 01, 2020, from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_gratitude_is_good
Wilson, J. T. (2016). Brightening the Mind: The Impact of Practicing Gratitude on Focus and Resilience in Learning. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 16(4), 1-13. doi:10.14434/josotl.v16i4.19998