GRATITUDE AND YOUR HEALTH

The benefits of practicing gratitude are many. It’s not simply that you feel better because you appreciate rather than depreciate what’s around you, but you literally improve your physical and mental health. This is why an attitude of gratitude is so important if you want to live in a state of optimal health.

Better Than Positive Thinking

Your mamma probably told you, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” She may have been referring to gossip, but you can apply that same rule to yourself. This practice is more than simply repeating, “I can do this,” or “I’m good enough and people like me.” Highlighting the positive aspects of each moment makes a tangible difference in your health.

When you practice appreciation by noticing and reflecting upon all that you’re thankful for you feel better and even strengthen your immune system. However, conscious gratitude doesn’t need to be saved for big things like a job promotion or a new car. The act of giving thanks for a blue sky, a piece of pumpkin pie or your dog greeting you at the back door is just as important.

Research by UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons, author of Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, shows the simple act of keeping a gratitude journal increases well-being and satisfaction with life. Specifically, writing down (remember the kinesthetic connection between writing and emotion) things you are grateful for does the trick. When this is done regularly, you will embed a habit of looking for reasons to be grateful.

Gratitude can also change your body chemistry. When you practice being grateful, your body produces feel good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which were mentioned in the Happiness Moves and Nourish Happiness chapters. These are some of the same substances which are triggered during interval workouts and which leave you with peaceful, satisfied feelings.

Gratitude can reduce stress. During a stressful event, placing your attention on what is going well takes power away from the stressor. Over time, practicing gratitude on a daily basis can reduce the presence of stress hormones by 23%, according to Professor Emmons. That’s reason enough to be grateful.

Gratitude helps you make better choices. Specifically, if you’re looking for reasons to be thankful, you will be happier. When you’re happier, stress hormones like cortisol are at lower concentrations in your body. So, you’ll be more likely to choose a salad over a slice of pizza and you’ll find a way to get in your workout.

Your Reasons To Be Grateful

The aforementioned Professor Emmons is one of a growing number of researchers focusing on the tangible benefits of gratitude. The results of numerous studies suggest the blessings are available to anyone who looks for the good in a situation, regardless of how it appears. Techniques like journaling, writing letters of gratitude and sharing the best three things from your day, are effective ways to increase the feelings of peace and satisfaction, which come from simply giving thanks.

The good news is you can begin right now:

What are you grateful for?

 Seriously, give yourself a few minutes and answer this one. 

A Happy Hack 

I trust you took the time to reflect upon some of the many things you have to be grateful for right now. The contentment you feel when you direct attention in this way can empower you to make better choices for your health. In this way, gratitude is a happy hack to feel good and achieve your state of optimal health.

Moreover, don’t you agree that when you focus on the positive aspects of exercise and healthy eating you will be more apt to lose weight if you want to do so. It seems the perspective gratitude gives you when you view exercise as a chance to move and enjoy your body makes regular movement more enjoyable. In the same way, choosing to savor your healthy food with thankfulness improves eating habits.

Gratitude is an essential skill to develop for long-term excellent health. Use your appreciation to fuel your healthy habits. You’ll find your happy thoughts will motivate you to move, eat well and prioritize your self care. Over time, the positive momentum will carry you through the challenging moments of life.