5 Reasons Why Gratitude is Key to Shift Your Mood & De-stress
November traditionally is the month for Thanksgiving. We all gather with loved ones. We eat a big feast. We give thanks for all the bountiful things in our life. But what about people who are experiencing life’s challenges like a career transition? Some people find it hard to be grateful at a time of loss. Gratitude is a practice that is often talked about, but challenging in theory, to practice on a daily basis. Read on to discover 5 reasons why you should incorporate a regular gratitude practice into your life.
Gratitude is often linked to good manners or polite behavior. Yet, its benefits go far deeper, especially in terms of mental health. In times of stress or frustration, gratitude can greatly affect how you feel. This is particularly true during life transitions like a job search. Here’s why gratitude is essential for shifting your mood and de-stressing:
1. It Shifts Focus from Lack to Abundance
When you’re feeling stressed, your mind tends to focus on what’s missing—whether it’s a job opportunity, stability, or recognition. Gratitude flips that script by reminding you of what you already have. Focusing on the positives in your life creates an immediate mood boost, making challenges feel more manageable.
2. Reduces Stress Hormones
Gratitude isn’t just about a mindset change; it also affects your body physically. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Lowering these stress chemicals creates a calmer state within. This lets you approach difficult situations with greater clarity and composure.
3. Improves Emotional Resilience
A consistent practice of gratitude can build emotional resilience. When you appreciate the silver linings, even in challenging times, you become less likely to be overwhelmed. This mindset helps manage setbacks more effectively. In a job search, where rejections or delays are common, gratitude helps you bounce back more quickly.
4. Strengthens Relationships
Expressing gratitude to others strengthens social bonds, which is crucial during stressful periods. Thank a friend for their support. Appreciate a colleague’s effort. These small acts build a network of positive interactions. They make you feel more connected and less isolated in difficult times.
5. Promotes a Positive Mindset for Problem-Solving
Gratitude encourages optimism, which is essential when tackling obstacles. A grateful mindset does not ignore challenges but frames them in a way that feels less insurmountable. By maintaining a positive grateful attitude, you’re more likely to come up with creative solutions. This makes it easier to navigate life’s hurdles. These hurdles include your career transition.
Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine is a simple but powerful way to de-stress. It can uplift your mood. This practice transforms the way you approach life’s challenges, especially during career transitions.
It’s very easy to start a gratitude practice. Take a few minutes in the morning, evening, or during stress. Jot down 1-3 things you are grateful for on a notepad, journal, or your phone. As you think of things and write them down, you will notice a physical shift in your body. It will become more relaxed as the warm grateful feelings wash over you. That is the essence of how gratefulness feels in your body in the moment. As you deepen your practice, you can expand your list. Put the most inspiring ones on post-it notes. You can also make graphics out of them and post them. You can also take this to your car, purse, and office to remind you of your grateful thoughts!
Check out our other blogs on career transitions and coping with the emotional side of job transitions. Be sure to sign up for our email list. You will get a free copy of our Top 10 Things to do when Downsized. It also includes Supportive Reading Resources for Transitions. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts at support@mindfuljobalignment.com. We’d love to hear from you!
By: Diana C. Stephens, PhD