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Happy Thanksgiving week! I hope you are taking some time to rest and relax over the holiday!
Because it’s Thanks-giving, we’re going to talk about the ways practicing gratitude and being thankful for the blessings in your life can actually improve your health!
To make it fun to start practicing gratitude, I’ve got a fun little exercise for you if you want to see how easy it can be! (This could also be great to do with your family – and go around the holiday dinner table and share your answers!)
But before we get to the fun and games, I want to explain a few things so you understand why this is so important…
What exactly is gratitude?
Gratitude is one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around a lot, but have we stopped to think about what it really means? It goes beyond just saying thank you—it’s taking the time to truly show appreciation for both the tangible and intangible aspects of life. The things we have, the opportunities we’re given, the people in our lives who support us.
Practicing Gratitude Can Improve Your Health
Did you know that gratitude can actually have a huge impact on our physical and mental health?
Studies show it can lead to numerous health benefits.
The 4 biggest ways it can improve your health for the better are:
- reduced stress and anxiety
- improved sleep quality
- increased perceived happiness levels
- stronger interpersonal relationships
Practicing Gratitude Builds Inner Strength
By focusing on what we are thankful for when the going gets bumpy, we develop a flexible mindset that enables us to overcome that challenge gracefully.
This positive focus helps to minimize the negative thought patterns that can sometimes be triggered when we find ourselves facing life’s obstacles – both big and small!
The Thanksgiving Day Gratitude Exercise
Ok, so now to that special gratitude activity I mentioned earlier!
Here’s what to do:
- Grab a pen, a piece of paper, and write down 5 things you’re grateful for.
- Then write WHY you are thankful for them – this part is key!
- As you write, take a moment to really feel the love for all those things in your body!
This step is super important and can boost the results for your body AND your mind!
I’d like to share a few things I’m deeply thankful for:
- I’m grateful for my amazing clients who inspire me because they make what I do so rewarding;
- I’m grateful for this time to connect with loved ones during the holiday because it’s a gift to have those moments together when life gets busy!
- I’m grateful for my health, my family, my home, and the wonderful community I’m lucky to be surrounded by because I know how challenging my life would be without them!
Practicing Gratitude Daily
Don’t stop expressing your gratitude just because Thanksgiving is over! Because a regular gratitude practice can have profound effects on our health, I’d encourage you to start incorporating gratitude into your daily routine.
Consider setting aside a specific time each day for reflection. It could be during your morning coffee or as you wind down before bed. You may choose to keep a gratitude journal where you jot down your thoughts consistently. Over time, with regular practice, you’ll notice how easier it becomes to find things you’re grateful for—even on challenging days.
I hope you’ll try the gratitude exercise I shared and maybe even make it a family tradition!
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday full of warmth, connection, and gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
[Updated 11/27/2024]
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