Be Thankful – It’s Good for Mental Health & Your Employees’ Wellbeing

November normally kicks off the holiday season with high expectations for a cozy and festive time with family and friends. However, this year will be different.

Let’s face it, the COVID-19 pandemic, social-distancing, divisive politics, masks (or lack of), a spate of hate crimes, massive layoffs, and a planet in environmental peril has made this year more of a challenge than others.

2020 is officially a mentally challenging year.

That is why this year it is even more important to show your appreciation for others.

As we enter the holiday season, negative emotions can become even more intense. People stress about work, health problems, life changes, finances and more. Add to that what seems like a never-ending pandemic, the changing seasons can bring about bouts of sadness, anxiety, or depression.

Amid all the gloom, it’s important to take some time to remind yourself about the things you’re grateful for and remind others how much they mean to you. It is not only good for them to hear your gratitude, but it’s good for you to express it.

Bodies and Minds are in a Constant State of Stress

The World Health Organization estimates that 25 percent of all people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. However, in 2020 one study found that 57% of people are experiencing greater anxiety, and 53% of are more emotionally exhausted.

This is primarily happening because of the continual mental stress of living in an uncertain world. The body is in constant fight or flight mode, preparing itself for what is around the next corner. The mind is trying to imagine all the scenarios of what is next and tends to create the worst possible scenarios so it can be better prepared.

When things seem unclear, the worst seems possible.

Appreciation Can Relieve the Stress

This constant state of uneasiness is not good for your current or future health.

But you can take scientifically validated steps to improve your mental outlook. Studies published support a positive correlation between gratitude and an individual's wellbeing. And since your body and mind are dependent on one another, concentrating on positive elements in your life and feeling grateful can help improve your overall health.

Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

When you express feelings of gratitude, the brain will release dopamine and serotonin — two hormones that make you feel better and happier. While it’s not always easy, knowing how to trigger these blissful feelings can be an important tool to have in your pocket.

Share Your Appreciation with Others

While appreciation is a great tool to help yourself feel better, sharing that gratitude with others can help both you and the recipient feel happier. The gratitude can also be contagious with a pay it forward momentum.

Here are some ways you (and your employees) can create a more positive mindset:

• Take a few moments every day to pause and reflect on positive things that you are thankful for. It can be as big or as small as you like. Try and find a different thing each day.
  
  Here are some questions to help put you in the right mindset:
  • Did someone teach you something that you didn’t know before?
  • Was someone willing to help when you were struggling or under increased stress?
  • Were you able to schedule some “fun virtual time” with your team and share stories?
  • How was the weather?
  • Is your team achieving new goals and getting stronger together?
  • Who at work are you happy to hear from each day, and why?
• Share your gratitude with others. Let them know that they are not alone and that they are appreciated. Even a simple “Thank You” can go a long way.

• If you’re still struggling to find ways to be thankful, VirginPulse has created virtual dice that help you create a positive mindset. Try rolling the dice and then share the positivity with others.

Encourage Staff Members to Pay Their Gratefulness Forward

With over half your workforce potentially struggling with work-life balance issues and high levels of stress and anxiety, this is a good time to help them calm their minds and spread positive feelings.

Make sure you also build in some time to help your employees practice small acts of gratitude. Those acts can add up to improve mental health, relationships, holistic comfort and nurture the mental health and wellbeing for your entire team.