Don’t just be thankful on Thanksgiving
| Health tips: How to practice gratitude | | | Dear Reader,
Gratitude, especially as it correlates to a higher sense of well-being, is a way of being that habitually focuses on noticing and appreciating the positive aspects of life. It’s being thankful for the people and experiences that make up your life.
People who score high on measures of gratitude understand that they have much to be thankful for. They reflect on how fortunate they are to have basic things such as food, clothing and shelter. They realize that things could be worse, that life is short and that it’s important to enjoy life as it is.
Gratitude does more than just create positive feelings. In surveys, a disposition toward thankfulness predicted a decreased risk of mental health disorders. It also helped people overcome trauma. A number of studies support a link between gratitude and being in a good mood and feeling happier and more satisfied with life. Gratitude has also been linked to self-acceptance, independence from peer pressure, personal growth, and a sense of purpose and control over your circumstances. | One study even found that higher levels of gratitude resulted in better sleep. Results showed that grateful people sleep better because they worry less and have fewer negative thoughts before falling asleep. They also tend to focus on positive things before falling asleep, which protects the quality of their rest.
How to practice gratitude: Do you want to spend more time practicing gratitude but aren’t sure how to begin? Consider these ideas: Keep a gratitude journal, writing down the things you’re grateful for each day. Think about the people in your life who you’re grateful for before getting out of bed in the morning. Write a letter to a loved one, expressing your appreciation for them. Meditate on or pray for the things you’re grateful for before going to sleep at night. Write thank-you notes for the gifts in your life. |
|
|
|
Want to learn more?
| | Healthy choices made daily play a huge role in keeping our internal systems healthy and in balance. | | Get this resource |
|
|
|
|
