How to Live with Gratitude

Thanksgiving.

It’s one of my favorite holidays. I like the idea of family coming together, sharing a meal together, and reflecting on reasons to be grateful.

This year has been more challenging. Restrictions and limitations have hindered our ability to come together for the holidays as usual, and we may have to try a little harder to remember the reasons to be thankful. 

Science has studied the effect of gratitude on our health. It can help us to cope with stress because it boosts our emotional wellness. The benefits may extend to physical health as well. Some early research has found a correlation between gratitude and fewer signs of heart disease. One aspect of integrative health actually explores this kind of mind-body connection. 

How do we get better at practicing gratitude? A couple of ways:

1. Practice gratitude on a regular basis.

Being intentional about gratitude at Thanksgiving is wonderful, but the intentionality will grow stronger with regular practice. We wouldn’t expect to become strong at other skills if we only practiced them occasionally, and gratitude is no different. 

Consider keeping a gratitude journal. It doesn’t require a big time commitment, and it could help shift your frame of mind enough to foster those feelings of gratitude even in the midst of trying circumstances. Even creating a quick bulleted list is a start if you don’t have the time to write in paragraph form. The big picture is that regular, intentional practice of gratitude can contribute to a positive mentality. 

Perhaps also consider joining with a friend or family member to discuss gratitude and to hold each other accountable for keeping a regular account of reasons to be grateful. One perk of this approach is that it promotes social connections, which can also have a positive effect on our wellness.

2. Remember the little things as well as the big things.

There are the “big” aspects of our lives that we tend to think about when it comes to thankfulness -- things like family, health, jobs, etc. -- but there are also lots of everyday little things that may go unnoticed. How about when your favorite song comes on over the radio? That fabulous discount on a new pair of shoes? That great joke you heard? Reflecting on these little things can draw our attention to the present day and everything good that happens in it.    

Among the many things for which I am grateful is the opportunity to support you in your wellness journey. If you’re interested in exploring mind-body connection more, consider health coaching or CHIP. They can both provide an additional means of support in cultivating wellness, including gratitude. 

Happy Thanksgiving and “Thanks-living” to you and your family!

Stephanie

References:

Department of Health and Human Services. (2019, March). Practicing gratitude. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2019/03/practicing-gratitude