Adolescents today are used to a fast-paced way of life and a world of technology.
It’s no surprise that the concept of gratitude can take a backseat to the busy life of a teenager, having to juggle school, home, and social life all at the same time. Not to mention being glued to their mobile phones and other gadgets for most of the day.
With all the stress that comes with the daily life of adolescents, gratitude holds the key to resilience, good mental health, and overall well-being.
Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.
Eva Carlston Academy explores the importance of practicing the art of being grateful and lists practical and effective strategies for incorporating gratitude practices into the daily routines of adolescents.
Shaping Lives: The Top Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
Fosters Positive Emotions
The simple act of acknowledging or writing down reasons to be thankful can instantly boost one’s mood. Imagine if one practices gratitude daily – it has been proven that individuals who
often express gratefulness are happier and less stressed, and less depressed.
According to Eileen Russell and Diana Fosha, who published a study in the Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, “Gratitude in any form can enlighten the mind and make us feel happier. It has a healing effect on us.”
Improves Social Connection
Being grateful can positively impact the way adolescents connect with friends and family.
Expressing gratitude is contagious – if one does it, it encourages others to reciprocate. This positive feedback loop leads to enhanced connections and strengthened interpersonal bonds.
Enhances Sleep Quality
Practicing gratitude improves sleep quality, something that many teenagers need.
Adolescents who suffer from anxiety or depression tend to have insomnia or sleep disturbances. Practicing gratitude or doing an act of kindness activates the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls sleep.
Feeling grateful triggers hypothalamic regulation, leading to naturally deeper and healthier sleep. According to this 2009 study conducted by Roland Zahn, a brain filled with gratitude and kindness is more likely to sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and energetic every morning.
Embracing Life: Making Gratitude a Habit
Here are a few ways adolescents can incorporate and practice gratitude into their daily lives:
- Start a Gratitude Journal: Make it a habit to write down at least 3 reasons to be thankful every day. Set a time to do this daily. Soon, one will notice more positive things happening in their life!
- Practice Mindfulness: One who practices mindfulness is fully aware of everything that is happening around them. Do this through meditation; it’s an effective way to rewire the brain to be more positive and grateful.
- Notice the Little Things: The habit of being grateful begins with the smallest things. When one is able to recognize that nothing is too small to be thankful for, that’s when a positive outlook in life begins.
By practicing gratitude daily, adolescents not only enrich their lives but also spread positivity within their family, friends, and beyond.