Have you ever taken a moment to think about or jot down what you’re thankful for in life? Is there a reason why doing this made you feel calm and happy, and maybe even changed your entire outlook? The answer is yes!
A vast amount of research has been done on the effects of thankfulness and our well-being. This research has found that being thankful actually leads to chemical reactions in our bodies and—believe it or not—makes us healthier.
In honor of this season of thankfulness, Momentum would like to share about the health benefits of being grateful and share our own appreciation for the patients that make our work so rewarding.
Being thankful increases peacefulness.
Research has shown that pondering the things we are thankful for actually causes a reaction in our parasympathetic nervous system. When this system is triggered, we experience feelings of peace and calmness. Gratefulness also leads to the release of oxytocin in our bodies, which is a “good feelings” hormone that is associated with bonding in relationships.
Being thankful improves heart health.
When researchers observed people who took time to be thankful and compared them with people who did not, they found that the thankful group had healthier hearts. How could this be? It turns out that grateful results in a stronger immune system and lower levels of inflammation, which help patients manage pain more effectively and experience increased energy.
Being thankful decreases stress.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is responsible for a variety of health problems. Being thankful decreases this chemical in our bodies, which lowers the effects of depression and irritability, and improves our ability to concentrate. Some people have even found it to help with their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Momentum would not be able to serve and elevate the health of our community if it were not for our patients—thank you! It is an honor to support your needs and provide you with personalized chiropractic care.