Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, or angry a lot lately? Do you notice you’ve been experiencing tendencies toward worry and negativity that are affecting your focus, relationships, or even your sleep patterns?

Here’s an idea: Focus on what you’re thankful for.

I know. Stay with me. It sounds a little silly and counterintuitive but I’m not suggesting it brings instantaneous happiness or that gratitude is a cure all. However, it is a simple approach that anyone can implement. And if things are bad enough that you’re looking for alternative solutions, what do you have to lose?

It’s a scientifically proven fact that gratitude is a skill that can be cultivated with practice. To get started, try to identify your overall mood or feeling. Then review some simple things in the moment that you can identify as good. Finally, notice how gratitude makes you feel emotionally, mentally, and physically. That’s it.

Even if it doesn’t feel natural yet, mentally thinking about it is helpful. Our minds love repetition! Finding a time to add gratitude practice into your routine will grow the habit and may increase the mental health benefits you experience over time.

Research consistently shows that those who practice paying attention to what they are grateful for have fewer symptoms of illness, more optimism and happiness, stronger relationships, and more generous behavior. You can change your default tendencies and have great rewards from a simple practice. So do you have a little time to get grateful today?

Kristine Proctor is a licensed clinical social worker providing counseling, both in person and via telehealth, to individual adults in Florida, Michigan, Maine, and around the globe. To contact Kristine click here.