Gratitude 101

A very simple yet highly effective stress management tool is GRATITUDE.  That’s right, simple appreciation. Finding one small thing to be thankful for and holding that feeling for as little as 15-20 seconds brightens your mood and creates a more positive outlook. Gratitude can be practiced at any time or place to reap immediate benefits. Here are some simple tips:

• When you first wake up smile and think of one thing that you are grateful for.
• Express gratitude to others around you. (ex: give someone a small compliment)
• Even when things seem the worst, express gratitude for the challenge that a situation brings.  It can open the mind to new ideas and possibilities.

Source: http://www.criticalincidentstress.com/simple_gratitude