I have a confession, I’m the GRINCH!
Not the Grinch of Christmas, but the Grinch of Halloween. I just don’t understand this American celebration. Kids (and adults) get dressed up in crazy scary outfits, knock on strangers doors, raid as much sugar as one can fit into their over-sized basket and then proceed to inhale said sugar for the next few months?!
So I am happy to own, “I am the Halloween Grinch”, or maybe just a party pooper.
On the flip-side, the one American holiday I do really appreciate is Thanksgiving. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year, Thanksgiving is much more my style.
This tradition, dates back to the Pilgrims in 1621 celebrating the harvest that was reaped. Today, North American families and friends come together to give thanks to the many blessings they enjoy. Whilst us Aussies don’t celebrate Thanksgiving as a National holiday, and 2020 has admittingly been one hell of a year, no one would blame you if you might be reluctant to be feeling very thankful, right now.
I get it.
I also know that despite the hardships of this year, the counterintuitive notion of being appreciative might just be the antidote we all need. In our personal lives and our workplaces.
But why?
Research shows us that giving thanks, appreciation or practising gratitude for the positive aspects of our lives can, among other things, help you exercise more, sleep better and be happier. Yes, happier, who could do with a sprinkling of a little more happiness at the moment! And when shown in the workplace increases employee engagement and performance.
Consider the Harvard Medical School study conducted by researchers at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania:
“Researchers randomly divided university fund-raisers into two groups. One group made phone calls to solicit alumni donations in the same way they always had. The second group, assigned to work on a different day, received a pep talk from the director of annual giving, who told the fund-raisers she was grateful for their efforts. During the following week, the university employees who heard her message of gratitude made 50% more fund-raising calls than those who did not.”
Why do employees respond this way?
The answer may lie within our brain functions.
A Psychology Today article discusses which areas of the brain are affected by appreciation and gratefulness. The hypothalamus, which controls basic bodily functions such as eating and sleeping, and dopamine, the “reward neurotransmitter” are heavily affected from feelings of gratitude. Alex Korb Ph.D writes,
“Gratitude can have such a powerful impact on your life because it engages your brain in a virtuous cycle.”
These brain boosts can have significant positive effects in the workplace and in the employee’s quest for work/life blend. Showing gratitude can increase a person’s wellness, increase better sleep habits, increase metabolism and lessen stress. This directly impacts work results and of course how our people feel, behave and interact.
When we amplify our appreciation, not only are we boosting performance and engagement but well-being and health, for ourselves and others. It’s a no-brainer!
As such, it’s the perfect time to take our November #2020Challenge!
Amplify Appreciation!
Try out these simple appreciation hacks:
Reflect on three things that you are currently really thankful for in your life
Genuinely say ‘thanks’ to someone you work or live with, let them know specifically what you appreciate
Shout a coffee or send a handwritten card in the snail mail, showing your thanks.
I will kickstart by sharing that I have never been more grateful for the following:
to live in our beautiful country, Australia
for my health; and
to have a dedicated team who give their heart and soul for our business and clients, every single day! Love you guys.
What are you thankful for?
Till next, stay safe!
#2020Challenge: Amplify Appreciation!
2020 has been a tough year so it’s easy for us to focus on all the things we’ve missed out on or are upsetting us.
We need to own what we are focussing on and the impact it is having on us or others. If it’s not ideal, try something else. Research shows that giving thanks, appreciation or practising gratitude for the positive aspects of our lives can, among other things, help you exercise more, sleep better and be happier.
Download our November #2020Challenge and let’s amplify our appreciation!
BLYTHE ROWE & Her Life on Heels.
The founder and director of Human Incite, is widely recognised for her passion, energy and her ability to shake things up. Blythe is brilliant at revving-up productivity and performance in organisations. She is on a mission to rid our workplaces of toxic behaviours, build meaningful relationships, personally and professionally and create workplaces worth belonging. Her enthusiasm simply is infectious!