Celebrating Thanksgiving is about more than just catering to annoying relatives, gorging on too much food to then fall asleep on the couch under the sweet veil of football. In fact, Thanksgiving is a prime opportunity to put into practice its namesake and one of the most powerful health-promoting actions that exists.
Gratitude.
While the world can be trying at times, there is always something nearby to be grateful for. How often are we acknowledging these opportunities?
Gratitude is a thankful appreciation or recognition of something that’s been done for us, either by a person, by life itself, or perceived from a higher power. It can be an act when we give thanks. But it’s also a feeling of being grateful for that which you have. Gratitude isn’t reserved for a certain time of the year, but can be practiced and demonstrated throughout the year in celebration of small successes and moments of joy. Sometimes practicing gratitude for little things makes it second nature to call out gratitude for the big things that come along.
And, as it turns out, practicing gratitude can actually lead to a healthier you. An overwhelming body of research indicates you’re going to experience more joy, vitality, and inner peace if you notice whatever blessings are in your life, and give thanks when you experience them.
And gratitude doesn’t just make things feel better – it can also make them get better. Gratitude is good for your physical, emotional, and mental health. Practicing gratitude can lower blood pressure, improve immunity, and generally help maintain a sense of joy and satisfaction.
People who express more gratitude can experience:
- Fewer headaches, gastrointestinal difficulties, and respiratory infections — and better sleep.
- Improved mental health and wellbeing and happiness.
- Lower levels of stress and cortisol levels.
- Positive outcomes for people with chronic diseases like heart disease.
- Decreased emotional exhaustion, more happiness, and better work-life balance.
People have found that writing things down can be helpful in developing positive habits. Gratitude journals are a wonderful tool for this journey. Plus, you’ll have a scrapbook of positive memories and moments to reference in times when you might feel low. It’s a great reminder of good things!
The staff and family at Momentum Chiropractic remain grateful to be a part of your journey to wellness. We practice gratitude for all of you in our monthly messages through this blog! We hope our messages bring you joy and knowledge all year long, but especially during the season of thankfulness. If you are curious about taking a deeper dive in your personal health, please reach out! We want to help you be the healthiest you that you can be.