How to Make a Better You – Attitude of Gratitude
by Nina Sabin - Healthy Tip
Can you believe Thanksgiving is already here? Where has the time gone? Before you know it, we will be in 2022.
I can’t believe it has been almost four months since I have had time to do a blog. The community I live in is filled with so many great activities that I have a hard time sitting down and getting an opportunity to write.
With Thanksgiving being tomorrow, I felt drawn to write a special blog on having and attitude of gratitude.
How often do you talk about what you are grateful for verses what things you don’t have or can’t do?
Do you spend more time complaining or praising?
Did you know that it is actually good for the mind, body and soul to have a grateful heart?
Being thankful can improve your health and relationships. According to Health Matters, studies show practicing gratitude can lead to more intimate and connected relationships, less depression, more motivation and engagement, and better overall mental well-being.
Gratitude improves one’s outlook on life. It helps you feel more optimistic, less frustrated, envious or having feelings of regret. It also enhances self-esteem confidence, and improves your mood. Research has shown that gratitude helps reduce the chance of developing post-traumatic stress disorder after a tragic situation.
Gratitude does not come naturally. As human beings, it seems like we are born complaining as soon as we are out of the womb. Crying for all our needs. As we grow-up we have to make the decision to practice gratitude in all we do. Remind yourself that you can always find something positive no matter what the circumstance. It may be hard at times, but it is there.
Instead of looking at what went wrong, look what has gone right. That is where you find your gratitude. People tend to be drawn to those who have gratitude. The reason why is they appear to be more well-adjusted people who find joy in all situations.
This goes along with the Bible says about having a grateful heart.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
God designed us to be able to show gratitude but it our choice to practice it.
Besides gratitude being part of God’s plan, good for your mental health, and good for relationships. It also improves sleep. The practice of gratitude before bedtime, listing those things they feel grateful for, leads better sleep. This is because gratitude reduces anxiety and stressful feelings. As a result, you have a more restful and relaxed sleep.
I usually offer my clients to practice action steps after our meetings. One action step that is helpful with improving one’s attitude and mood is a gratitude journal, or as one of my clients called it a good vibes journal. Each day you write down as many things that you are grateful for. This is usually done in the evening before bed time, but it can be anytime during the day that you feel grateful for something. It is amazing how you whole being changes when you have gratitude.
Another exercise I do with my clients is at the beginning of our sessions I ask them what went well for the week or what can we celebrate that went well. When they speak their whole stature is different than when we are talking about the things that did not go well, bother us, or that we complain about. When we speak with gratitude, we stand tall, our whole body, shows excitement and happiness. The reverse is true when we speak with complaining and negativity, our body shows us weighed down, we actually look like we are being pulled downwards instead of upright.
Both the gratitude journal and the focus on celebrations in your day will truly keep you healthy.
Thanksgiving Day is not the only day for you to show gratitude. Incorporate being thankful everyday with an “Attitude of Gratitude.” It will “Make a Better You.”
As a healthy life coach, I can give you the tools, support and accountability to help you let go of those negative behaviors that are holding you back from having an attitude of gratitude.
Ready to make changes in your life and add gratitude as part of those changes -contact me today for a Complimentary Breakthrough Session. It will be the best decision you ever made for yourself and your lifestyle change.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy having an Attitude of Gratitude.