Grateful People Cope Better With Stress
While many of us cannot change our circumstances immediately, generally grateful people cope better with stress.
Alphonse Karr, the 19th-century French novelist, wrote,
“Some people grumble that roses have thorns, I am grateful that thorns have roses.”
As I think of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances’ reactions to COVID-19, Karr’s idea is at my heart.
It is confirmed that the pandemic continues to weigh heavily on all of us.
Many of us focus on statistics daily and grow weary.
There is this rising anxiety that we need to keep in check.
As I thought of the framework to pen this, I also thought of a helpful framework you can adapt and apply.
Whether you write in a physical journal, on a notepad, or even on the phone, gratitude helps us refocus our energy.
What do you want to achieve in the last leg of the 100 days before we greet 2022?
I have taken two quiet moments out of my day every day to be still and reflect.
One in the morning and the other before I go to bed.
It helps me focus on the complete picture of my daily life.
Is Gratitude A Coping Skill?
Research suggests that grateful people are more skillful and able to cope better with stress and regulate their emotions.
Feeling grateful can bring us a host of benefits.
The top of the list includes better mental and physical health and improved relationships.
Being aware just for a few minutes each day is enough to practice stress-releasing techniques wherever you live and whatever your circumstances.
The Power of Gratitude Helps You Cope Better With Stress
As I started wiring, my three daily gratitude lists began with “I am grateful for ….. because….”
I noticed a change.
The power of gratitude kept anxiety from dominating my inner emotional voice.
As I became more thankful and looked for things I am grateful for in my daily life.
I began to formulate several gratitude strategies.
What Am I Grateful For Daily?
I used to take for granted that I would wake up in the morning.
Ever since I realized my mortality, I wake up with a smile and thank God for the gift of life.
I am breathing, my body works, and I can complete my morning routine.
What’s Not To Be Grateful For?
Having breakfast and a good cup of coffee are things I appreciate.
As I continued my day, I found more and more little things to be thankful for and noted my ability to share my gratitude with others.
We don’t need to be on social media or use an app to bring gratitude into our routines.
Since I started, I have made it a point to earn quick 10-minute phone check-ins with a friend or two every day.
It is easy to pick up the phone to tell a friend or family member that we miss them and are thankful for them.
When I see the delivery guy or garbage collectors, AND when I look in the mirror, I say “thank you” aloud.
In other words, carefully pick up that rose, be aware of the thorn, and offer it to someone you love.
As you do, recognize that although you might prefer thornless roses, your robust gratitude practice doesn’t mean you must ignore the thorns to enjoy the beautiful blooms.
How Does Gratitude Help You Cope Better With Stress?
I’ve been encouraged to start gratitude journaling.
For people who may be stressed amid the pandemic, you may want to consider starting a gratitude journal.
Every morning, without fail, I think about what I am grateful for and then jot it down in my journal.
People often say, ‘What do you write? I don’t know what to write.’
So, I start my journal with the day and date.
One day I wrote, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.” Ordinary days, I write, ‘It is beautiful, sunny, maybe it’s raining.’
Keeping a gratitude journal amid the pandemic has helped me maintain an upbeat attitude with a positive mindset.
A journal gives us a sense of release.
I’ve stopped watching all the news as it was just so heavy.
Seeing all the COVID-19 cases and all the doom and gloom gets to everyone.
Amid the growing case counts and lives lost, it can be hard to find the good in the world,
With all the negative news of bad things happening, it is good to start with clarity and refocus on attracting goodness.
The journal is a way to keep track of all the golden nuggets that happen to me daily.
I want to encourage anyone struggling with pandemic stress to do the same.
Writing down what you are grateful for helps lift your spirits.
When the mind starts to go to dark places, you take your journal and read the highlights to remind yourself of all the good things that happen.
When faced with a negative situation or emotion, I flip the pages of my gratitude journal and find the silver lining.
We must train our minds to focus on what is excellent and praiseworthy and celebrate it repeatedly.
Morning Gratitude Routine HHelpsYou Cope Better With Stress
I work out a little every morning to get my blood pumping, my arms swinging, and my legs marching.
Working out helps reduce stress.
I listen to quick 55-minutemotivation tapes or reread my journals.
The simple act gives me a pick-me-up when I need an influx of positivity.
Our gratitude journals can serve as a reminder that there is still much in the world to be grateful for during trying times.
Healthy Approaches to Cope Better with Stress
Take little breaks
Break from watching, reading, or tuning in to the news and social media.
Take care of yourself.
Eat healthily, work out, get enough sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
Take care of your body.
Take deep breaths, stretch your body, or meditate.
Try to eat fresh, well-balanced meals.
Exercise frequently.
Get enough sleep at night.
Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
Continue with routine preventive procedures (COVID-19 vaccinations, annual health checks, and cancer screenings)
Could you make time to relax and take it easy?
Try some new activities you enjoy.
Talk to others.
Share your troubles and how you feel and cope with a parent, friend, mentor, physician, or minister.
Connect with others.
Talk with professional individuals or close friends you trust about your troubles and how you are going through them.
Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
If social distancing measures exist, try connecting online through social media, phone calls, or even letters.
Avoid stimulants and alcohol.
These may appear to help, but they can create added problems and increase your stress.
Recognize when you require more support.
If problems remain or you are considering suicide, speak to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.
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