by Dr. Marita Schauch, ND | Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre –
Many of us may be thinking about the potential negative effects the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday may have on our health, including overeating, weight gain, and a lot of stress. However, scientific research is starting to show the health-boosting effects of gratitude that can last longer than the turkey leftovers.
Better Mental Health. People who pay regular attention to what they are grateful for have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and even showed improved symptoms of PTSD.
Lower Stress. Stress is one of the biggest health risks – regular gratitude practice is shown to reduce stress hormone levels by 23%.
Supported Immune System. Lower stress means your immune system is able to function more optimally.
A Happier Life. Those with a regular gratitude practice tend to also have better relationships and a more positive outlook, and report higher overall satisfaction with life.
Closer Relationships. One study showed increased levels of relationship satisfaction and happiness after partners showed gratitude to one another.
Improved Physical Health. Grateful people are more likely to take care of their bodies, showing a higher tendency to eat well and exercise regularly, and be less likely to smoke or abuse alcohol.
Better Sleep. People who wrote down a few things they were grateful for before bed tended to sleep better and longer.
Better Able to Cope with Life’s Challenges. Grateful people have improved mental resilience in coping with traumatic events, as well as greater patience and understanding for others. People who practise gratitude also tend to be more optimistic about their lives, and futures, which is a key piece in resilience.
Creating a daily gratitude practice can have benefits year round. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Keep a Gratitude Journal. A popular way to practise gratitude is to start a journal devoted to the things you’re grateful for.
Start and End Your Day with Gratitude. Have the very first and last thoughts of your day be of gratitude. Think of five things you’re grateful for upon waking to set the tone for the rest of your day. Before you go to sleep, think back through your day and find as many things to be grateful for as you can.
Write Thank You Notes. When someone does something for you that you appreciate, spend the time to write them a thank you note and spread the gratitude!
Volunteer. Offering your time and energy towards a cause that is meaningful to you is a great way to practise gratitude.
Don’t worry about struggling to find things to add to your practice; you’ll be surprised once you start just how many things to be grateful for there are! May you and your loved ones be blessed with many things to be grateful for this season.
