Use gratitude to counter stress and uncertainty.

When we take time to focus on what we are grateful for, we are choosing positive emotions over negative.

When we express gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin — two hormones that make us feel lighter and happier inside. Gratitude grounds us and is a great way to balance out the negative mindset that stress and uncertainty bring.  When we are feeling lighter, we can better handle life’s challenges.

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To trigger gratitude in ourselves, we need to intentionally shift our focus from what we don’t have to what we do have in our lives. And then take the time to appreciate and be thankful for those who have contributed to our lives.

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When you find yourself in a state of worry, or hyper-focused on what is not working around you, try to think of at least one thing or person for which you are grateful.   And ideally, take the time to write those down. 

Before starting to work on a task that may cause you stress, start with a gratitude exercise; it helps get you into a more positive state of mind.

To really foster your attitude of gratitude, make it a daily practice to think or share at least 3 things for which you are grateful.