A workshop headlined “Gratitude- A Tool for Happiness” was facilitated by Mental Health Clinician Daisy Cook on Wednesday.
The event lasted an hour and covered the topic of gratitude. The host and students alike shared their opinions and experiences on how gratitude can serve as a useful instrument to help achieve happiness.
Cook began the workshop by asking, “What is gratitude, and what does it mean to you?”
Many students shared their views and the overarching sentiment that gratitude is the state of being thankful as an acknowledgment of something good.
The first issue posed was what happens when we lack gratitude.
What emotions and behavior do we typically display?
Student Ashlee Richards commented, “We just feel frustrated all the time, filled with negativity.”
Cook went on to explain that the lack of gratitude affects people and the relationships around us.
As a result, loneliness and self-esteem issues present themselves and provide a spiraling-down staircase leading to poor mental health.
Mental Health Clinician intern, Saul Sandoval, introduced a slide and explained the benefits that gratitude can offer in many aspects of life.
Sandoval drew light on the fact that new perspectives allow us to focus on what we do have and making our problems seem more trivial.
Emotionally, gratitude can heighten mental well-being and keep suicidal thoughts at bay as it suppresses negative thoughts in those suffering from depression.
Appreciating things in life can also strengthen family relationships in times of stress and improve our social and romantic relationships.
“It makes us more optimistic, increases our spiritualism, makes us more giving, indicates reduced materialism, and enhances optimism,” Sandoval said.
Gratitude provides immense advantages in the workplace, such as improved decision-making as well as contributing to reduced turnover.
Exercises were practiced to shed light on those who deserve appreciation in our lives.
“Happiness starts within. So, if we’re happy then it’s easier to share that happiness with others”, explained Mental Health Clinician intern Charissa Manor.
The idea of gratitude was celebrated by listing five things you are grateful for, three people you are thankful for, three challenges you’ve learned from, and recalling your fondest memories.
The workshop ended with a guided meditation video and exercise to aid students on the path of happiness.