Thanksgiving is just around the corner and most of us are in the midst of preparing our menus, making our shopping lists, and finalizing the guest list. And while it can be fun and rewarding to create a meal for friends and family, it is just as important to take time to count our blessings and think about what we are thankful for. In fact, studies have shown that feeling grateful supports both physical and psychological health. Creating a habit of being thankful on Thanksgiving, and also throughout the year??can have tremendous positive benefits for your quality of life.
Here are a few ways you can practice gratitude and embrace its benefits throughout the year:
Adding Gratitude to your Morning Routine
Taking a minute to reflect on what you are grateful for while in the shower or brushing your teeth is an easy way ?to create an automatic practice that’s easy to remember and maintain. Simply focusing on just one thing you are thankful for while getting ready in the morning can be a powerful step to build your gratitude practice.?
Journaling
Taking time to reflect and jot down what you are grateful for for a few minutes each day can enhance long-term happiness. This helps you shift your focus and attention to what is good in your lives instead of focusing on what is bad and fosters more happiness. The more we think about what we are grateful for, the more we find to be grateful for.
Expressing your Gratitude to Others
Regularly sharing gratitude with your loved ones improves relationships. Those who are more grateful and express gratitude have wider social circles, more friends, and better relationships.?
How does gratitude affect us??
Physical Health?
Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can improve our physical health. Those who regularly follow a gratitude practice are more likely to exercise and can result in significant decreases in blood pressure, resulting in better overall health.?
Mental Health and Wellbeing?
Gratitude journaling in particular has been shown to have a powerful effect on mood. When done just before bed, it can lead to increased sleep quality which as you know leads to enhanced well-being.?
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