LIVING WELL | Boost your well-being with some gratitude

The word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratus, which means “pleasing” or “thankful,” and is the act of acknowledging and appreciating something, tangible or intangible, that we have received. While gratitude and thankfulness are similar, gratitude stays with us longer and affects us on a deeper level.

Gratitude is strongly associated with a greater sense of happiness and well-being. People who practice gratitude not only feel more positive emotions and build strong relationships; they also are more likely to reach their goals. Practicing gratitude can also help increase your overall feelings of optimism.

There is no incorrect way to practice gratitude – you just need to find what works for you! A great option is journaling, which gives us a chance to slow down, breathe, and be honest with how we are feeling. Put aside time to write (or draw!) up to five things you are grateful for regularly in a gratitude journal. Determine a cadence that is realistic for you, whether it be every other day or weekly, and honour that commitment. Be gentle with yourself if you forget a day – we’re all human!