I know I am always preaching about how practising gratitude can help your mood, but did you know that it is also backed by science? There are even studies which show how it can make changes to your brain.

Practising gratitude really works for me when I am feeling a bit fed up and focusing on all the negative things and I know it works for my clients, too. It is easy to get into that downward spiral when things aren't going to plan or you're feeling a bit low.

However, focusing on your problems really doesn't help. Instead, you need to turn those thoughts to all the many positive aspects of your life. Simply focusing on the positives breaks that pattern, raises your mood and can help you to feel inspired to find solutions to problems that previously felt overwhelming.

Try This Quick Experiment:

Spend 5 minutes talking to a friend or family member about everything that has gone wrong this week. Tell them about all the negative aspects of your life and talk about people who have upset you. Then notice how you feel afterwards.

Now, turn your attention to all the things that have made you smile this week. Tell them about those instead. Talk to them about the people you love and anything kind that people have done for you. What do you really love about your life? Chat about that for five minutes and then see how that feels.

Do you notice the difference in your thoughts and feelings afterwards? Which made you feel better?

The more you complain out loud or even in your head, the more overwhelming the problems become. You end up completely focused on them and can't see a way out.

For more information on how to re-wire your brain to think more positively, click the red button below - or contact me, Laura Culley, on 07577485250.