Has gratitude become just another buzzword or are there real benefits to adding a dose of thankfulness to each day?

Quang Nguyen, of QN Coaching & Training, believes in the power of gratitude. “We assume that our emotions are dictated by the events happening around us,” says Quang. “But the reality is we control our emotions. And if we’re able to do that, why not choose to be in a frame of mind that makes the most of each day?”

Let’s say you’re going through a painful experience, like the loss of a loved one. It can be hard to feel grateful in that moment. However, if you choose to reflect on the positive impact the person had on your life, it can lift your emotions.

This ability to control how we feel is empowering, and it’s why Quang makes gratitude a part of his daily routine.

Does this mean you will never feel angry, hurt or sad? Of course not. When something bad happens, it’s normal to feel a negative emotion. It becomes problematic only when you stay in that state for too long and your wellbeing starts to suffer.

So what can you do to turn a negative emotion around?

• Remember a moment in which you felt extremely grateful or joyful. Humans are simple beings. We can only express one emotion at a time. So when you think back on something you were grateful for, you cannot feel a negative emotion at the same time.
• Start a gratitude journal. Spend five minutes every morning and evening writing down three things you’re grateful for.

Life is so busy, it’s easy to overlook the many little good things that happen during our day. These exercises can make us more aware and appreciative of the positive experiences.