Gratitude is always important which is why it’s part of the Grand Feelings Exit Plan of our Jump In! Stand Strong! Rise Up! comprehensive emotional management plan here at Hope 4 Hurting Kids. But, what about gratitude during a pandemic? Is it important that we both encourage our kids to practice an attitude of gratitude and do so ourselves? The answer, of course, is yes, so let’s have a look at the why and how of practicing gratitude during a pandemic.
Why Gratitude is Important
The scientific benefits of gratitude are well researched and documents. In a 2014 article in Forbes, psychotherapist Amy Morin lists seven scientific benefits of gratitude including:
- Gratitude opens the door to more relationships.
- Gratitude improves physical health.
- Gratitude improves psychological health.
- Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
- Grateful people sleep better.
- Gratitude improves self-esteem.
- Gratitude increases mental strength.
Take a moment to think of someone you care about or someone that has impacted your life in a positive way. There are a lot of people that have impacted my life – especially in ministry. When I think of one lady in particular, and how she has blessed me down through the years, I get the “warm fuzzies.”