47. Harnessing the Power of Gratitude: Transform Your Teaching Experience

11/22/24 • 12 min

As Thanksgiving approaches, this episode dives into the transformative power of gratitude—specifically gratitude for your students. Gratitude is more than a feel-good buzzword; it’s a research-backed practice that can improve your relationships, enhance your mental health, and elevate your classroom environment.
In this episode, we explore:**The psychology behind gratitude and how it strengthens relationships.
**Why focusing on gratitude for your students can shift your mindset and classroom dynamics.
**Practical strategies to cultivate and express gratitude—even with challenging classes.
**How fostering gratitude can lead to a more connected, cooperative, and joyful classroom.
Whether you're grappling with a tough school year or just looking for ways to deepen your connection with students, this episode will leave you inspired to focus on the positive and embrace the power of appreciation.Key Takeaways:Gratitude Improves Relationships:
Studies show expressing gratitude builds stronger connections in personal and professional relationships, including with students.
Gratitude Benefits You First:
Feeling gratitude uplifts your mood, which helps you show up as the best version of yourself.
Connection Over Correction:
Expressing genuine appreciation for students fosters cooperation, attentiveness, and a positive classroom environment—not through manipulation but through authentic connection.
Start Small:
Even in challenging situations, you can find small moments or qualities to appreciate in your students, building a habit of gratitude that transforms your perspective.
Practical Gratitude Practices for Teachers:Notice and name individual student efforts.
A simple “Thank you for showing up today and trying your best” goes a long way.
Appreciate the little wins in your classroom: quieter days, a student’s humor, or even the fact that everyone made it through the day!
Share your gratitude with the whole class: “I’m grateful for the energy and creativity you bring to this room.”
Resources Mentioned:Complimentary Coaching Call: Struggling with negative thought patterns? Join a free coaching session to reframe your mindset.
Check out Episode 29 "How to Solve Any Teacher Problem" for more on the mindset model discussed today.
Calm in the Classroom - Modern-day Solutions to Teacher Stress, Overwhelm, and Anxiety
Join the Conversation:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with your teacher friends or on social media! Don’t forget to leave a kind review—it helps more educators discover The Strength of Teachers.
Connect with Me:Website: brennanelsoncoaching.com
Instagram: @brennanelsoncoaching

Previous Episode

46. What to Do When You Don't Feel Supported as a Teacher

How to Find Support as a Teacher—Even When It Feels Like You’re AloneEpisode Summary:
In this episode of The Strength of Teachers, we tackle one of the most common struggles among educators: feeling unsupported. Whether it’s a lack of understanding from administrators, colleagues, or even family members, many teachers feel isolated as they juggle numerous responsibilities inside and outside the classroom.
Tune in as we discuss practical, empowering steps you can take to find the support you need, redefine what support looks like, and build a more sustainable path to success and well-being in your career.Key Takeaways:Define What Support Means to You: Take a moment to reflect on what you need to feel supported. Make a list, and identify which aspects you can control and fulfill yourself.
Prioritize Self-Support: Learn how to lighten your load by letting go of unnecessary tasks. Supporting yourself might mean carving out time for sleep, exercise, or prioritizing simple self-care practices.
Shift Your Perspective: Often, support is present but goes unnoticed. Try recognizing all the ways people around you are helping, from custodial staff to friends and family.
Directly Ask for Help: If you need specific assistance, communicate it clearly and directly. Many times, people are willing to help—they just need to know what’s needed.
Think Outside the Box: If traditional support isn’t available, consider creative solutions like grant writing, enlisting parents or volunteers, or seeking help from colleagues and students.
Quotes to Remember:“If everything feels urgent and important, none of it is.”
“Your brain will always find evidence for what you believe, so direct it toward something positive.”

Resources Mentioned:Sign up for a free coaching call for personalized support and practical solutions.
Explore grant opportunities through DonorsChoose and other funding platforms for teachers.
Feeling Stressed, Anxious, or Overwhelmed? Help is available! Check out the all-new course just for teachers: Calm in the Classroom! You will learn how to create peace inside and out through the tools and resources taught in this course! Sign up HERE!
Get help with YOUR specific problem! Complimentary Coaching Calls Available! Click HERE!
Teacher support doesn’t have to be a distant hope. With clear communication, a shift in perspective, and a proactive approach, you can access the support you need to thrive. Your feelings are valid, but you don’t have to feel stuck. Reach out, get creative, and most importantly, have your own back.

Next Episode

48. The Power of Gratitude

**Harnessing the Power of Gratitude for Teacher Wellness: Transform Your Classroom and Your Life**
**Episode Overview**
In this special Thanksgiving episode, we explore gratitude as a year-round tool for enhancing teacher wellness. Discover how gratitude can improve mental, emotional, and physical health, reduce stress, boost mood, and build resilience—all crucial for navigating the demands of teaching.
**Key Takeaways**
**Understanding True Gratitude**
Gratitude is more than saying "thanks"; it's an emotional state that promotes positive thinking patterns, even during challenging teaching moments.
**Physical Benefits for Teachers**
Gratitude lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, releases dopamine and serotonin to combat anxiety and depression, and boosts oxytocin, enhancing connections with students and colleagues.
**Mental Health and Resilience**
Practicing gratitude builds resilience, helping teachers approach challenges with calmness and counter self-doubt or the inner critic.
**Practical Ways to Integrate Gratitude Daily**
1. **Morning Self-Gratitude:** Start your day with an appreciation for yourself.
2. **Evening Reflections:** Reflect on positive moments for a peaceful mindset before bed.
3. **Gratitude vs. Toxic Positivity:** Embrace gratitude without ignoring challenges.
4. **Reframing Difficult Situations:** Finding value in hardships can bring peace and reveal growth.
**Episode Highlights**
**The Neuroscience of Gratitude**
Learn how gratitude rewires the brain for positivity, enhances immunity, cardiovascular health, and improves sleep.
**Gratitude Exercises for Teachers**
Receive easy, practical exercises to make gratitude a daily habit, tailored for a teacher’s busy life.
**Heartfelt Teaching Story**
Hear about how focusing on a single positive trait in a difficult student changed a teacher-student relationship entirely.
**Resources and Recommendations**
- **Daily Gratitude Journal:** Note three things you’re grateful for each day to boost mindfulness.
- **Accountability Partner:** Share gratitude with a friend for mutual support.
- **Balance Positives and Negatives:** Consciously focus on positive moments to reduce stress and foster happiness.
**Mental & Emotional Health Resources for Teachers**
Explore deeper wellness strategies for teachers. Schedule a free call or sign up for the *Calm in the Classroom* course for more stress-management tools.
**Contact Me**
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.brennacoaching.com
- Instagram: @brennanelsoncoaching
Thank you for listening! Your engagement truly matters. Please follow, rate, and review to help other teachers discover this podcast and find support!