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The Power Of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means gratitude is stepping back into the spotlight. But it deserves way more than a seasonal cameo. Gratitude is a powerful tool that boasts a slew of benefits for your physical and mental health.

Gratitude is more than just a fleeting emotion. It’s a way of being that can transform your health and well-being.

Gratitude is the habit of looking for the good in your life. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. Here’s why…

Gratitude pushes back on the negativity bias – the tendency to focus on what’s wrong vs what’s right. This pattern is hard-wired into our biology. Practicing gratitude regularly trains your mind to count your blessings, be present, and look on the bright side. And this can have far-reaching effects on your life – on your happiness, relationships, and even your physical health.

How Gratitude Supports Well Being

Gratitude is a simple way to steer your mind towards positivity. It shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s good right now. And this can impact your habitual thoughts and feelings.

Below are a few ways gratitude can enhance your mental and emotional health.

Reduces stress: Gratitude trains you to focus on the good. This can increase positive emotions and help you be more resilient to stress. When you look for what’s going well, it’s easier to not sweat the small stuff.
Boosts mood: People who have an attitude of gratitude tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives. It triggers the release of mood-boosting chemicals like serotonin and dopamine and helps ease depression and anxiety.
Strengthens relationships: Expressing your appreciation can help you connect more deeply with others. This can improve your communication and enhance your relationships. A heartfelt “thank you” can be incredibly powerful.
Encourages present-moment awareness. Being grateful helps you stay in the present moment. It trains you to relish and appreciate each experience as it comes – instead of fixating on the past.

How Gratitude Helps your Body

Gratitude doesn’t just support your mental health – it can have a big impact on your physical health, too. When you feel happier, calmer, and less stressed, your body responds in kind.

Let’s dive into a few ways gratitude can support your physical well-being.

Calms nervous system: Gratitude is shown to increase heart rate variability – a marker of your parasympathetic nervous system (aka ‘rest and digest’ response), which helps your body and mind relax.
Reduces blood pressure: Gratitude’s stress-busting nature may benefit your heart, too. Research shows keeping a gratitude journal can help lower your blood pressure.
Improves sleep: Gratitude may also help you rest easier. Studies show people who practice gratitude tend to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and have better quality sleep.
Lowers inflammation: Gratitude may help calm inflammation, too. Some studies show gratitude practices may help reduce inflammatory markers.
Enhances longevity: Some research suggests gratitude may even lengthen your lifespan.

Gratitude Practices to Enhance Your Well Being

Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple way to make appreciation a habit. Simply jot down 3 things you’re grateful for each day. First thing in the morning and right before bed are ideal, but squeeze it in whenever you can! If every day isn’t doable, try doing a weekly round-up.

Gratitude meditation is simply taking time to reflect on things you’re grateful for, whether it’s a sunny day, a delicious meal, or a friend’s kindness. This can be done while you’re quietly sitting, brewing your morning coffee, or even driving to work.

Just saying “Thank You” and expressing appreciation for others can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and strengthen your relationships, too. So when someone does something kind, take time to thank them. You can do this verbally, shoot a quick text, or send handwritten thank you cards.

Another way to give thanks is to keep a gratitude jar. Each day, write on a slip of paper one thing you’re grateful for and why. Add it to a jar as a reminder of all the good in your life. Once full, go back and reflect on all your blessings. Then empty the jar and start over again!

Gratitude Rituals like Breathwork, Praying before meals, or taking a daily Gratitude Walk can also be great stress relievers and bring a lot of inner calm to our chaotic lives. Keeping stress levels in check is critical for hormonal balance and well being.

Want More Support for a Stress Free Season?

Join my free Facebook community, Balanced Beauties where we’re sharing:

Daily tips for hormone + blood sugar balance
Live chats about food freedom through the holidays
A supportive sisterhood that actually gets it

Or book a coffee chat with me. I can help you create a plan for the holidays that supports your goals and keeps you “balanced”