As the demands and pressures of university intensify for students in Edinburgh, it’s easy to become overwhelmed among the stress and anxiety of daily challenges. From feelings of frustration over workload, to general worries about the future, young people are often highly critical of themselves, leaving little room to acknowledge their own achievements or appreciate the positive aspects of their lives beyond academic study.
This is where gratitude comes into play. Practicing gratitude involves showing appreciation for the things in life that are important and valuable personally to you. At a time when mental health issues among young people are on the rise, the simple act of expressing gratitude – not only to others but also to yourself – can make a meaningful difference.
I began practicing gratitude around two years ago, using a daily journal my dad had spontaneously bought for Christmas. Halfway through my second year at Edinburgh I was feeling stressed, and after hearing a friend’s positive experience with gratitude, my dad wanted to share some of the wisdom he had gained. I started by writing down three things that I was thankful for each morning, and three positive things that occurred during the day. Now, it has become a quick but ingrained part of my daily routine. What started as a simple way to manage the stress of university has helped to shift my mindset, helping me to feel more positive, and the best part is- I genuinely enjoy doing it!
The benefits go far beyond my own personal experience. By reflecting on good experiences, we feel positive emotions, which creates a domino effect that spreads within our social circles. For students, this practice is linked to greater life satisfaction, stronger friendships, and improved physical health and wellbeing.
If you’re interested, there are many ways to practice gratitude. One popular method is keeping a gratitude journal, where you can reflect on daily highlights, and explore what you’re looking forward to in the coming days. For the phone enthusiasts, there are also several gratitude apps (like Gratitude Journal 365) that prompt you to check in at least once a day- a nice break from scrolling on Tik Tok! Other simple methods include writing thank-you notes or setting aside five minutes to list 3-5 things you’re thankful for. Even mentally practicing gratitude to yourself throughout each day can help to boost your mood and shift your perspective.
So, fellow students, give it a try – use this simple tool to pull yourself out of the annual winter study slump! Share it with a friend, and who knows, the entire campus could soon be hopping on the gratitude bandwagon.
Photograph provided by Leila Wilcock