Imagine feeling less stressed!
“Gratitude is a choice, and it needs to be cultivated like a muscle that grows and develops. It’s a healthy habit that when practiced daily, helps us cultivate resilience.” - Patrick Regan
In this world we are chasing dopamine all the time and always ON, taking 10 minutes each day to practice gratitude, is not a big ask.
So what are some quick ways to start your Gratitude practice:
- Gratitude journaling: Keep a journal beside your bed and write down 3 things you’re grateful for during the day, before you go to sleep.
- Gratitude meditation: Guided meditation or just thinking about what you’re grateful for whilst practicing breath work.
- Practice mindful eating: Really savour your food and think about the tastes and how it’s nourishing you.
- Get a gratitude jar: Pop little notes with things you’re grateful for in the jar. You could also do this as a family and get the kids involved.
- Express gratitude to your loved ones: Actively tell the people you love why you’re grateful for them. Notice how you feel and their response.
So how can you use gratitude in your team?
As Adam Grant said "The point of gratitude is not just to feel it, but to show it. The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed."
When leaders express appreciation and teams that celebrate wins, this creates a brain-friendly culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to do their best work.
Here are 3 hints to get you started cultivating gratitude in your team:
Start Small and make it personal: It’s amazing how impactful a simple thank you can be. Focus not only on their amazing work but also where they are growing.
Bring the team in and make it public: celebrate team wins or encourage team “shout outs” or maybe spotlight a team member each week or month.
A team gratitude practice: Introduce a team gratitude practice at your next meeting. “1 thing you are grateful for about your colleagues or work in general”.
Remember high performing teams have a strong foundation of psychological safety and resilience. Having a gratitude practice will be a fantastic addition to your team rhythms.
