These days it sometimes feels like the world is a dumpster fire, so the ability to learn to decrease anxiety is rapidly becoming a major concern for many. We’re constantly bombarded with information, societal pressures, and personal challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. However, there is a simple yet profound tool that can help alleviate anxiety: gratitude.

Gratitude is the simple practice of recognizing and appreciating the good things in your life – and it’s one of the most effective ways to instantly change your emotional mindset. And no, this isn’t some foo-foo hippy-dippy bullshit: it’s a scientifically proven method for improving mental well-being and reducing anxiety.

7 Ways Gratitude Helps Decrease Anxiety

1. Shifting Your Focus

Anxiety stems from a focus on worries of things outside our control and on the future. Gratitude forces us to shift our focus away from what’s missing or going wrong and directs it toward what we already have and appreciate. This shift in perspective can break the cycle of anxious thoughts and pave the way for a more positive mindset.

2. Rewiring Your Brain

Research in the field of psychology has shown that practicing gratitude can rewire the brain. When we intentionally focus on positive experiences and express gratitude for them, our brain forms new neural pathways associated with happiness and contentment. Over time, this rewiring can lead to reduced anxiety levels and an improved overall sense of well-being.

3. Stress Reduction

Gratitude is a natural stress-reliever. When you take a moment to acknowledge the things you’re thankful for, it triggers the relaxation response in your body. This response counters the fight-or-flight reaction that often accompanies anxiety, helping you feel more at ease and less tense.

4. Perspective Shift

Gratitude changes our perspective. When we’re feeling anxious, it’s easy to blow our worries out of proportion (a cognitive distortion known as catastraphizing). Practicing gratitude reminds us that even in difficult times, there are still positive aspects of our lives. This realization can make our problems seem more manageable and less overwhelming.

5. Improved Sleep

Anxiety and sleep problems often go hand in hand. Gratitude can be a helpful tool for improving sleep quality. When you go to bed with a feeling of gratitude, your mind is less likely to be preoccupied with anxious thoughts. Instead, you’re more likely to drift off into a peaceful slumber.

6. Enhanced Resilience

Grateful people tend to be more resilient in the face of adversity. When you regularly practice gratitude, you build a reserve of positive emotions that can help you weather life’s storms. This resilience can be a valuable asset when dealing with anxiety-inducing situations.

7. Better Relationships

Expressing gratitude toward others can strengthen your social bonds. Healthy relationships are a crucial source of emotional support, and having a network of people you can rely on can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety. When you show appreciation for those in your life, you foster deeper connections and build a stronger support system.

Incorporating Gratitude into Your Life

Now that you understand how gratitude can help decrease anxiety, it’s time to put it into practice. Here are some simple ways to make gratitude a part of your daily routine:

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each morning to write down three things you’re grateful for. They can be big or small, personal or universal.
2. Practice Mindfulness: When you’re feeling anxious, take a moment to pause and focus on your breath. Then, shift your attention to the things you’re grateful for in that moment.
3. Express Your Gratitude: Tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them. A heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way in strengthening relationships and reducing anxiety.
4. Create a Gratitude Ritual: Incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. It could be as simple as saying “thank you” before meals or taking a moment to reflect on your blessings before bed.
5. Count Your Blessings: When you catch yourself dwelling on worries, make a mental list of things you’re grateful for. This can quickly shift your mindset from anxiety to appreciation.

Today, anxiety can feel like a constant companion But gratitude offers a powerful and accessible means of relief. By practicing gratitude regularly, you can rewire your brain, decrease anxiety, reduce stress, gain perspective, and cultivate a more positive and anxiety-resistant mindset.

Life is hard, but practicing gratitude makes it feel a lot easier at times. If you’re struggling with anxiety and can’t find relief, then find an awesome therapist you like and trust to help.

James Killian, LPC is the Principal Therapist & Owner of Arcadian Counseling in Greater New Haven, CT where they specialize in helping over-thinkers, high achievers, and perfectionists reduce stress, increase fulfillment and enhance performance so they can move From Surviving To Thriving.