During the Thanksgiving season, we may be more focused on our blessings than usual. But this shouldn’t be the case. There are strong arguments for making gratitude a priority throughout the year—especially for high school students.
High school is one of the most exciting yet challenging times in a young person’s life. Between homework, extracurriculars, social pressures, and future college and career considerations, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed and stressed. But one simple practice can help students manage the high school roller coaster: gratitude.
With everything going on in a high school student’s life, it may be easy to overlook how gratitude can make such a big difference. However, cultivating a grateful mindset can have a substantial impact on mental and emotional well-being.
The Advantages of Living a Life of Gratitude:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can significantly reduce stress levels. When you focus on the positive aspects of your life—a supportive friend or relative, a good grade, or a favorite hobby—you shift your attention away from what’s stressing you out. It can even be something as simple as thanking a stranger who holds a door open for you. Taking just a few minutes each day to reflect on things you’re grateful for can help lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and encourage relaxation. It can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed by the demands of life.
2. Improves physical health
Studies have shown that people who practice gratitude regularly report better physical health. Gratitude is linked to better sleep, reduced stress, and even improved immune function. It is also reported that grateful people are less likely to experience physical aches and pains and more likely to exercise, eat better, and take care of their general health. For high school students, this could mean fewer sick days and the energy to tackle their daily challenges more effectively.
3. Gratitude improves mental health
For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress but fosters resilience. It reduces a multitude of toxic emotions and plays an important role in improving emotional well-being—effectively increasing happiness and reducing feelings of anger and depression. Focusing on positive things in life can help students experience a higher level of satisfaction and a more positive outlook on life. This can help them navigate the emotional ups and downs of high school with greater ease and positivity.
4. Enhances relationships
Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating things; it’s about appreciating the people in your life. It is also about recognizing and valuing yourself. Practicing gratitude not only improves relationships with family, friends, teachers, and classmates, but it can help us establish new relationships. By expressing appreciation for others, whether through a simple thank you, handwritten note, or act of kindness, students can deepen their connections and build a stronger sense of community. Strong relationships can provide a valuable support network. Gratitude helps students recognize and value these connections, making them more likely to nurture and maintain positive relationships throughout their school years.
5. Boosts self-esteem and confidence
When we practice gratitude, we develop a greater sense of self-worth. By reflecting on strengths, accomplishments, and the support received from others, students can boost their self-esteem and feel more confident in their abilities. Gratitude helps shift the focus from perceived weaknesses or failures to the strengths and positive qualities that students possess. This shift in mindset can be particularly helpful in high school, where students often grapple with self-doubt and insecurities about their abilities and social status.
6. Increases academic motivation and performance
Feeling grateful can also enhance motivation, which in turn can lead to better academic results. Students may experience increased energy, which helps them tackle their daily challenges more effectively—thus increasing productivity. When they are more satisfied with their schoolwork and experiences, students tend to get better grades. Increased happiness, self-confidence, and self-esteem—important results of gratitude—go a long way when it comes to success in school.
Ways to Practice Gratitude
Incorporating gratitude into a busy life doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Here are a few simple ways students can practice gratitude.
- Gratitude journal. Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you’re thankful for. It can be anything from a good grade on a test to a kind gesture from a friend.
- Express thanks. Take the time to thank those around you—whether a teacher, a friend, or a family member. A simple expression of gratitude can go a long way.
- Gratitude jar. Keep a jar where you can write down things you’re thankful for and add them throughout the week. Read through your notes periodically to see all the positive moments you’ve experienced.
- Mindful moments. In times of stress, take a deep breath and mentally list the things you’re grateful for. Taking time for this kind of meditation can help you reset and gain perspective.
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can make a significant difference in our lives. By fostering a mindset of appreciation, students can enhance their mental health, academic performance, and relationships while building resilience and improving self-esteem. Amid all the stress and pressure that comes with high school, gratitude can provide the clarity and balance needed to navigate these important years with confidence and positivity. Taking a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for could be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling high school experience.
At Moxie College Counseling, we know how stressful high school can be. We work diligently with our students to help them focus on the things that will make them successful in their college application journeys and everyday lives. For more information on how we can help, please contact us today!
