Say Thank You, Not Sorry: The Power of Gratitude for Mental Health and Well-Being
Have you ever noticed the stark contrast between how often we say sorry and how rarely we say thank you in our daily lives? Whether it's for bumping into someone on the street or not responding to a text message soon enough, we are constantly apologising. But what if we shifted our focus from saying sorry to saying thank you?
The Benefits of Gratitude for Mental Health
Research has found that expressing gratitude has numerous benefits. A study published in 2020 found that practicing gratitude can lead to better sleep quality. Another study published in 2020 found that practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Daily Gratitude Practices for Mental Health
In addition to the benefits of expressing gratitude, the beauty of incorporating daily gratitude practices into our lives is its simplicity. According to a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, individuals who kept a gratitude journal for just two weeks experienced a significant increase in positive emotions and life satisfaction. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377
The Power of Saying Thank You Instead of Sorry
Barbie, a brand known for its influence on popular culture, has been championing the idea of saying thank you instead of sorry in their social media posts and even via human Barbie herself, Margot Robbie! This concept encourages us to express gratitude instead of apologising for things that may not necessarily require an apology.
Examples of Saying Thank You Instead of Sorry
So, instead of apologising for being late to a meeting, say thank you for your colleague's patience. Instead of apologising for not responding to a text message sooner, try saying thank you for their understanding. Expressing gratitude instead of apologising can cultivate a more positive and grateful mindset.
Gratitude for the Little Things
Remembering gratitude doesn't have to be reserved for big moments or achievements, which is important. We can express gratitude for the small things in our daily lives, like a warm cup of coffee in the morning or a kind word from a stranger. By acknowledging and expressing gratitude for these small moments, we can find joy in the everyday and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
Conclusion
So, next time you find yourself about to say sorry, stop and think, what would Barbie do? Try reframing your response and saying thank you instead. Your mental health and overall well-being will thank you for it.
Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
You can book a free intro call here to talk with us further.
Tribe Wellness is not an emergency or crisis service. If you need immediate support or feel unsafe because you are experiencing suicidal or self-harm thoughts, please contact Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, Beyondblue 1300 22 46 36 or Lifeline 13 11 14. For emergency help, call 000.