Learning to be grateful is a great recovery tool. Having an attitude of gratitude can help ensure that sobriety remains something worth fighting for. Plus, it’s been study-proven to improve sleep, self-esteem and willpower and to reduce stress and pain. Now, according to a new study by researchers from University of Montana, expressing gratefulness to loved ones may also enhance our social connectedness.

The authors argue that gratitude can have short-term as well as long-term affects on both your personal wellbeing and relationships – “up to six months after a deliberate expression to one’s partner.”

The theory is that we can boost our relationships and mental state by expressing gratitude to our partners on a regular basis. And just like a muscle, gratitude can be trained and strengthened by practicing it every day.

• Say thank-you for something specific your loved one did for you and explain how it made a difference in your life. And remember to look that person in the eye when expressing gratitude.
• Compliment someone you love on a talent, skill or strength that you admire.
• Perform little acts of kindness – like cleaning up after dinner.
• Take a minute and give your loved one a long, meaningful hug.
• Volunteer to do something you know your loved one dislikes, like cleaning out a junk drawer or emptying the dishwasher.
• Let someone you love know that you are there for him or her and offer your full attention. In other words, put down that smartphone when you’re talking.
• Encourage your loved one to try something new that you can both do together.
• Send a text or leave a little love note that says something like, “Thank you for being you.”

Family Treatment at Seabrook
We offer a wide range of services for families struggling with addiction, including guidance to plan an intervention. To learn more about the Family Matrix Program at Seabrook, call today: 856-455-7575.