Gratitude defeats stress

Gratitude defeats stress.

Stress says “I might lose this.” It says, “this might not go well. They might not like me. I might fail. I’m going to look like an idiot.” Our stress responses emerge as a self-defense mechanism from threats. Except, in this case, the threats are often non-lethal, and usually work-related or ego-related. 

Gratitude says something different. Gratitude says “look at everything I have.” It says, “look at all this opportunity. Look at these unique challenges. Look at the skills I’ve developed and the people around me that can all help me win.” Gratitude emerges as a dissipating agent for stress, releasing its concentration on one outcome. Gratitude helps us stay present in the moment—the best place to be for solving problems. 

In moments of intense stress, gratitude is the most effective action I’ve found in relieving that stress. By taking five deep breaths, and imagining myself releasing a worry with each breath, and replacing it with something I’m grateful for, I can quickly lower my stress levels. 

Once I ground myself in the present moment, armed with the tools in front of me, well, then it’s time to get back to work.