V Teamer Shylaja Krishnakurup shares the importance of being thankful and appreciative while seeing the good and reflecting on your blessings.
Appreciation is the joy of seeing the good in something or someone — this mental state boosts both our happiness and motivation. You can make other people feel good in and outside of work when you show them you appreciate the little things they do for you.
Verizon India Software Development Director Shylaja Krishnakurup says it best:
“A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way, and when you make others feel good, it makes you feel good.”
How do we develop a habit of being thankful?
Appreciation requires not taking everything for granted — it’s about discovering the value in what you already have. Look around and introspect, you will find many reasons for being thankful and appreciative, for your family and relationships, and for all the things that make you smile and feel alive.
Being appreciative starts with yourself.
Most of us struggle with acknowledging our own goodness. But, you can start by setting up time for daily appreciation. Optimism directly correlates to happiness, so be sure to consciously provide attention to positive events.
Keeping a gratitude journal.
Life is full of experiences — some good and some not so good. Keeping a journal can help you create the time and space for focusing on the good experiences.
Say thank you more often.
Everyone appreciates knowing that they are valued, even a stranger who holds the door open for you. Think about the things that you take for granted in your daily life and express your gratitude. Tell someone how much you value them and why.
Pay it forward.
Have you heard about random acts of kindness? When you bring a little happiness into someone else’s life, you’ll find yourself feeling great all day long. Volunteer to teach underprivileged children, spend time at an orphanage or an old age home.
Smile more often.
Like yawning, smiles are contagious. The mere act of smiling prompts your body to activate neural messaging and release mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, all of this in a simple smile.
“Being thankful develops a positive mindset, especially when we practice it every day,” Shylaja said. “We grow in the direction of what we regularly focus on — daily gratitude improves your well-being.”
