Happy New Year!
As 2018 begins, are you considering making a few changes to improve your overall health and well-being? If so, consider making gratitude a priority. A study conducted by two researchers showed that young adults who expressed gratitude experienced “greater increases in determination, attention, enthusiasm and energy compared to the other groups.”* Practicing mindful gratitude showed “greater improvements in optimism…in exercise patterns…[and] lastly, it also caused a reduction in physical ailments.”* Sounds great, right?!
Here are 4 ways to help you focus on gratitude:
1) Morning Reflection: Instead of grabbing your phone to check your notifications or jumping out of bed immediately when you wake up each morning, pause to anchor yourself. Take a few deep breaths and reflect on what you’re grateful for that day or in life big or small. This unstructured exercise will give you a positive outlook to jump start your day!
2) Gratitude Journal: Yes, Oprah was right! Take 5-10 minutes a day to log 3 things you’re thankful for that are specific, detailed and different each week (if possible). The journal challenges you to look for new things throughout the week shifting your focus away from negativity on an ongoing basis. Also, expressing gratitude on paper acts as a constant reminder of your blessings and allows you to look back anytime you need a boost.
3) Take a Break from Social Media: We hear you say, ‘NO WAY’, but let’s face it, Instagram and Facebook can lead to comparisons to others. You may find yourself focused on what you don’t have or how you or your life doesn’t measure up. For some, this discontentment can lead to feelings of unhappiness, anxiety or even depression. Taking a break from social media whether it be a few hours, a day or a week will help you be present in your life and allow you to practice gratefulness.
4) Gratitude Meditation: Switch up your regular meditation practice by reflecting on your blessings through a chant or mantra. You can tap into your spiritual side to increase positivity, happiness and overall well-being. Try a few guided gratitude meditations to boost your overall happiness. Calm is an easy to use meditation and relaxation app that you’ll reach for over and over.
Make 2018 the year of gratitude!
We’ll start first…we’re so grateful for you, our patients and readers, thank you!
