How Appreciation Shifts Your Mind and Energy

In the Northeast, where I live, it’s bitter cold and another blizzard is underway. Snow emergencies have been imposed — again. Schools are closed and work is disrupted — again.

And I am away.

I am savoring the warmth and sun and natural beauty of the Southwest, and feel deeply grateful to be here.

It is easy to appreciate that I was able to plan time away for a brief respite from winter, as well as to appreciate the good timing of being here now. 

And I am reminded that I can tune in to appreciation no matter what is happening in my life.

Appreciation shifts everything 

Much is written about the power of gratitude, and having a regular gratitude practice is terrific.

Appreciation is a bit broader and deeper than gratitude, and appreciation often generates gratitude.

Appreciation is about focusing on and recognizing the significance of something in the moment.

When you look for what you can appreciate, in any moment of your day, you shift your brain’s focus in incredible ways.

For example, even as you may be feeling upset, if you look for something to appreciate — perhaps delicious food at lunch, or a smile from someone you pass in a corridor — your brain will be triggered to release neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

These chemicals boost happiness.

The brain will also release less cortisol, thus lowering stress.

The more often you focus on what you can appreciate, the more resilient you will feel.

And anxiety will be reduced.

You may even experience improved sleep and lower blood pressure.

When you regularly look for what to appreciate, you shift into a positive mindset and are able to see possibilities you might otherwise have missed. 

What you focus on impacts your energy

The focus you bring to your days has a huge impact on the energy you bring to everything you do.

When you train yourself to focus on what you can appreciate, you will more naturally feel optimistic, strong, eager, and confident.

That’s positively charged energy — and that energy will boost the way you approach everything — all of your tasks, every conversation, each decision.

You will see and feel your creative power expand!

New ideas will show up.

You will have new levels of belief in what you are capable of and envision bigger possibilities.

You will be resourceful and flexible.

In turn, you will more magnetically engage others.

And you will experience more great outcomes.

Who wouldn’t want more of all of that goodness?

A (small) challenge for you today

Aim to took for and feel appreciation all through your day.

Make notes as you go, or at the end of the day list those moments.

Then sit for 20 to 30 seconds to savor the appreciation.

Last, take a brief moment to appreciate yourself for doing it!

And if you like what happens, or think that it will get better with practice, repeat the process tomorrow.

And keep it going.