Key points

Contrary to popular belief, gratitude is a complex emotional process that does not come naturally for most.

Even if well-intentioned, telling someone to look on the bright side invalidates their emotional experience.

Separating feelings from facts can help you hold space for one's emotional experiences.

It’s that time of year. The holiday season is filled with constant reminders to be more grateful and count your blessings. This rise in gratitude is the result of extensive research in the field of positive psychology touting its benefits on emotional well-being, sleep quality, interpersonal relationships, and overall health (1-4). Considering these benefits, you might be eager to encourage loved ones to practice more gratitude as a way to better cope with life’s challenges

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