An Attitude of Gratitude is Good For Your Health

-

Tis the Season to be Grateful
An Attitude of Gratitude is Good for Your Health

This is what the psychology research shows.  Being grateful and focusing on the good things in our lives enable us to feel good and in control, even in the midst of challenging situations.  We do not have to deny the pain or difficulties that are occurring. However, when we regularly stop and reflect or meditate on those things that we appreciate; the positive things our lives; the things that are going well, we realize that not all is lost and that we can go on. 

Being grateful also reduces stress and builds resilience, our ability to bounce back.  At a physiological level it promotes the increase in endorphins, our brain chemicals that enable us to feel good. Studies also show that positivity reduces physiological stress and promotes better health.

Practicing gratitude is especially important during the holiday season, which for many can be stressful.  For some of us, the holidays are particularly difficult, sad and even painful, due to recent losses (i.e. death of a loved one, a divorce, job termination, health challenges, etc.). Those, who battle depression are also more likely to struggle during the holidays. 

Below are some simple strategies for developing an attitude of gratitude and feeling better.

Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

·         Record or journal 3 – 5 positive things that happen each day.

·         Write and give a thank you note to someone for something you appreciate.


·         Meditate (quietly reflect and focus) each morning on the things, for which you are grateful (i.e. sunny day, waking up, shelter etc.).

·         Verbally express your appreciation to someone you know on a daily basis.

·         Say a prayer of gratitude

·         Appreciate the positive people in your life by being engaged and connected through supportive and pleasant interactions.

·         Last, but not least, recognize and appreciate your life and your value.  Take good care of yourself by getting good nutrition, sufficient rest, exercise and health care as needed.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Taking Care of Me in 2023: Healthy Self-Love

-
  Elements and the Practice of  Healthy Self-Love As February comes to a close, let's reflect on the major theme, represented by Valentine's Day, that of love . Healthy love is a powerful force.  It provides us with motivation, joy, purpose, and energy.  It is important to remember that healthy love starts with our ability to love ourselves.     Healthy Self-Love Self-Acceptance and Being Authentic Like who you are Focus on and reinforce your strengths and positive qualities Embrace your individuality Self-Compassion Treat yourself well Forgive yourself for past mistakes Accept positive treatment from others Self-Esteem Recognize your value and honor it Honor the priority of your needs Assert your needs and wants Self-Awareness Be in touch with and in control of your emotions Set reasonable and Healthy Boundaries  Practice mindfulness  Positivity Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments Adopt an optimistic mindset Seek to enjoy life Pract...
Read more

Welcome 2023 With Gratitude from 2022

-
  THE BENEFIT OF GRATITUDE  Being Grateful for 2022 Helps Usher in 2023 As 2022 comes to a close, it it helpful to reflect on how we were successful in getting through the year. It is important to note that using a positive lens through which to evaluate what has transpired and where we have landed does not require us to ignore the painful or challenging experiences.  It is healthy to acknowledge problems and negative situations.  However, it is unhealthy to give those events and situations all of the power.  That is what happens when we narrow our lens and focus only or primarily on the pain of hurtful events. A healthy attitude enables us to desire to be whole, feel well and move on. Psychological researchers have found that the practice of gratitude is helpful in switching our perspective from one of problem to solution and building the resilience to overcome the negative impact of hurtful events.  Specifically, the attitude of gratitude is the ability t...
Read more

Taking Care of Me in 2023: Healthy and Intentional Self-Care

-
  "Taking Care of Me in 2023" An Overview of the S.P.I.E.S. Self-Care Model Self-Care is the healthy exercise of your responsibility and your right to aim for wellbeing.  It starts with our attitude.  That which we can Conceive, Believe and Achieve contributes toward our feeling and being well.  This is a conscious and intentional practice. My mindfulness approach: Acknowledge; Assess and Address enables you to work through and manage your emotions.  This intentional process enables you to feel in control and resolve distress.  Practicing deliberate self-care in a comprehensive manner promotes total wellness.  My model, S.P.I.E.S. provides a framework that can be applied to guide you through self-care assessment and practices across five dimensions:  Spiritual: Your sense of purpose, mission, values, and meaning that guide you and promote fulfillment Physical: Your health, physical characteristics, physical abilities and talents; Intellectual: You...
Read more