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Gratitude as a Natural Antidepressant

January 24, 2025by Dania Rasheed

The ring of a New Year can invite self-criticism as we mentally set resolutions for our upcoming goals. To lose weight, make more money, increase in status. So much of this is pointed towards what is lacking. What about what’s present? At the heart of longing is a lack of contentedness. To want is normal. It’s human behavior. It’s also important to maintain goals and aspirations for yourself without losing sight of the objectives and goals you’ve already met. When we constantly focus on what we don’t have, the things we do have can fade into the background. In the busy rush of our days and the short winter hours, finding the time to stop and slow down can feel nearly impossible. Taking a few brief moments to pause and bask in gratitude can have a significant impact on our mental health and overall wellbeing.

For a lot of people, life can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Appointments, loads of laundry, errands, bills. It doesn’t seem to stop. Rather than waiting for a break, try incorporating a change in perspective. Life’s tasks can be hard and overwhelming and they are a solid indicator of living. The appointments we have are necessary to maintain our physical and mental health. The dishes in the sink are a reflection of full and happy bellies. The toys scattered around the house are childhood displayed. The unmade bed a show of a night’s rest. Loads of laundry tell the story of the clothes that keep us warm and give us the confidence to face the places we’re going and tasks we’re tackling throughout our weeks.

How can we start? Incorporating gratitude into our daily habits may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re not used to being mindful about gratitude practices, start small. Think of just one thing in your day that you’re grateful for. It could be as small as a piece of chocolate or as big as the roof over your head. Encourage yourself to pick something different each day. If this feels difficult, start with one second. One positive second. In the 24 hours of our days, we deserve to find or create at least that. Play that song you love and let yourself feel it. Spend time with your pets and appreciate the unconditional love they offer us. Bask in the sun. Make art. Read that book/play the game you loved in childhood. Go outside, put your feet in the grass, and breathe. If you are unable to identify that one thing, the one good second in your day; make it.

Gratitude comes in all shapes and sizes. It hides in the cozy feelings brought on by a warm cup of coffee in the morning. It’s the sigh of relief when you find an empty sink because your loved one washed the dishes you felt too overwhelmed to. It’s sitting at a table with family and friends and enjoying a meal. It’s the chirp of the birds and the breeze in the trees. The things that seem to be little moments, small and fleeting upon first glance, end up being the composition of our lives.

 

Disclaimer: The information shared on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice.