Practising gratitude regularly is a complete game changer. As yogis we have known this for years but now the research is backing that up though with various studies looking at the impact of gratitude on people's lives - and surprise surprise - people who regularly practice gratitude are generally happier and more optimistic! Studies show that people who regularly take time to notice and reflect on the things they're grateful for experience more positivity, express more compassion and kindness, and have healthier relationships with the people around them.

Building your capacity for gratitude isn’t hard, it just takes conscious effort. When you are in a grateful mindset you are able to notice the little wins - like waking up to sunshine on a Saturday or finding a free spot in the carpark before the yoga class you were running late to! When you make an effort to notice the small moments of positivity throughout your days it strengthens your ability to notice the good on a regular basis.

Yogic philosophy and Patanjali’s eight-limbed path includes the concept of ‘santosha’ which can be translated as ‘contentment.’ Practising gratitude is one of the ways to become more content with your life and appreciate what you already have, instead of always reaching for something else to make you feel happier. The more you can bring your attention to that which you feel grateful for, the more you’ll notice to feel grateful for!

There are many different ways to practise gratitude, from gratitude journaling, saying thank you to your barista for the perfect coffee or setting an intention of gratitude before your yoga class. Whatever it is that gets you frequently noticing the good will have a positive effect on your life.