Have you paused to say thank you today? If not, maybe it’s time you do, especially when it comes to your finances.
Even if it feels like there is nothing to be grateful for – Don’t let the economy, more weird crypto events, increases in cost of living and inflation stop you from reaping the benefits of practicing gratitude.
In this article, we will look at what makes financial gratitude so special and why we should include it in our daily lives. Read on to learn more about how you can be thankful for your money even if money is tight and you can’t do things like save or save for retirement.
What Is Financial Gratitude?
Financial gratitude is the act of being thankful for what you have, even when it doesn’t seem like much. It’s about appreciating what you DO have, instead of fixating on what you don’t have.
Showing gratitude for your finances is a wholesome way to refocus your energy on the present.
That is because financial gratitude is all about showing appreciation for the now, the current situation you find yourself in.
Whether you have thousands of dollars to spare, are trying to save $1000 in 3 months for your first emergency fund, or are scraping together your last cents to pay rent, there is always a reason to be grateful. And the act of consciously seeking out the positive side of your financial situation is exactly what financial gratitude is all about.
Forget the past, leave the future for tomorrow, and align your thinking with what’s happening in your budget right now.
What Are the Benefits of Showing Gratitude With Your Money?
For a variety of reasons, we should cultivate gratitude for our financial situations. And some of the benefits even go beyond just our own needs and satisfaction.
Let’s take a look at some of the upsides to practicing gratitude with your finances:
Better financial awareness
When we make it a habit to look at our current financial situation, review spending, or reflect on our mindset, we may spot some financial weaknesses. But we should also acknowledge the positives.
While we look at the negatives, such as what went wrong this week, this month, and this year, we also see the things that went right.
Like that time you saved a few dollars because you bought an item on sale. Or that other time you walked to work instead of taking the car or Uber.
Focusing on these feelings of gratitude and celebrating your victories, no matter how small, gives you a new awareness of your financial situation.
You will stay stuck in a loop when you only focus on the negative emotions associated with your perceived financial failures. So make sure to focus on both positives and negatives to get a better financial awareness.
Improved decision-making by practicing financial gratitude
Coupled with financial awareness, practicing financial gratitude will increase your willpower and decision-making skills.
When you put your energy into being grateful for your money, you earn a new appreciation for your hard-earned cash.
This leads to you making better financial decisions and also increases your ability to say no to impulse buys or unnecessary expenditures.
An increase in physical health
There have been various studies done on the role of gratitude in boosting an individual’s physical health.
From improving blood pressure to decreasing stress and aiding sleep, the health benefits to your body when practicing gratitude are numerous.
Most of it comes down to stress. When we are able to rethink our finances, manage money and financial stress in a productive way, we reduce our overall financial anxiety.
And the decrease in stress itself is immensely beneficial for our physical well-being.
Better mental health and emotional resilience by practicing gratitude
Along with chronic stress, there are several other factors that come with worrying about money. Sleep deprivation, constant anxiety, and even depression are a few side effects.
When you practice gratitude for your finances, you can let go of the negative thoughts and replace them with positive emotions associated with your money.
We’re not suggesting you shouldn’t be concerned about your financialcommunit status. Instead, we are proposing a different outlook – a better, more positive way of envisioning your finances.
And when the financial setbacks come, because they will, you will be able to face the adversity with greater confidence and gratitude for the lessons that these stressful life events bring.
A sense of community
When you practice gratitude, whether with your finances or otherwise, you gain a deeper understanding of your situation and also an increased awareness of those around you.
Bechttps://blog.navitmoney.com/spending-and-behavioral-change-joining-a-community-on-a-debt-free-journey/ause you are living in a space of financial gratitude, it’s likely that you will start picking up on the ways that others have helped you on your journey. The hope is then that you feel moved to help others as you have been helped.
But how do we develop an attitude of gratitude for our finances so that we can live happier, more fulfilled lives?
How to Practice Gratitude With Your Finances
Being grateful for your current financial situation is more than just saying thank you. The practice goes beyond simply uttering the words to yourself. You have to be truly intentional with your actions and what you say or think.
Here are a few simple steps you can follow to increase financial gratitude over time:
1) Keep a gratitude journal
Make it a daily and consistent habit to detail what you are thankful for when it comes to your money.
Start with three finance-related things that brought you joy each day, and build on it from there.
2) Think about the people who support you financially
Think about the people who support your financial goals.
Whether it’s your parents, spouse,= children, your friends or your coworkers, think about all the ways that they’ve supported you along your financial journey.
Then show them how much you appreciate everything that they’ve done for you and your finances.
3) Give back to others
A key component of practicing gratitude is that it helps you see beyond yourself. But you can go one step further by volunteering your time and energy to those in need.
By giving back, you are taking your gratitude game to the next level and matching your words with your deeds.
5) Focus on your goals
While gratitude is about focusing on the present, don’t forget to show appreciation for how your current situation is helping you to achieve your future financial objectives.
Reap the Benefits of Financial Gratitude
Grateful people are happy people. Even science agrees. So take the time today to say thank you for your financial situation. You will reap the rewards of practicing financial gratitude.
For more ways to maximize your relationship with money and make financial progress, download a money coaching app like from Nav.it.
Related Reads:
How Tracking Your Money Can Reduce Stress and Save Money
How to Practice Money Mindfulness
How Stress Impacts Spending, Saving, and Investing Habits and What to Do About It
Defining Your Relationship with Money
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