Gratitude = self care

“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” – Will Arnett

Thanksgiving is approaching & it is a time when people reflect on what they are thankful for. We think about the people, experiences, and things that we are thankful for more during the winter holidays than during any other time of the year.

I am thankful for family, friends, & food.

Gratitude is actually a form of self-care!

When you practice gratitude, you bring a sense of positivity into your mind. Being thankful for what you have distracts you from all of the negativity that you see in the world around you. Beyond distractions, gratitude sets the state of your emotions. By practicing gratitude, you awaken the positivity within you. Positive thinking comes with all sorts of health & wellness benefits, too.

Improving your mental health

Setting your emotions to the positivity of gratitude can improve your mental health. Positive Psychology, the study of how a positive attitude is connected to your mental & physical health, shows us the science behind positive thoughts, happiness, & (of course) gratitude.

In my studies of Positive Psychology, I have found that even the simplest positivity exercises can drastically improve your outlook. It makes your look within & be still with yourself. Positivity is directly linked with your happiness.

Improving your relationships

FACT – People like to feel appreciated. When you are grateful for another person & you let them know, it releases the positivity within you. The act of showing someone gratitude strengthens the bond between you & them. Plus, when you are around people that are happy, positive, & smiling, you reap the benefits, too. Making others happy, brings us joy!

FACT – Appreciating others makes you happier. Whether you express it to the person or just simply think good thoughts about them, you activate your happiness center.

How to activate your gratitude

There are several exercises that you can do to activate that gratitude center. Here are some examples:

Wake up with a sense of gratitude – before you open your eyes, think of something that you are thankful for & set the tone for the rest of your day.
Everyday, write down 3 things, people, or experiences that you are thankful for – they can be as simple as family, friends, & fur-babies.
Write a letter of gratitude. Think of a person that you are thankful for & write a letter to them, explaining why. You don’t even need to send it, but I bet it would make their day!
Show your gratitude. Actions speak louder than words, so when you appreciate someone put those emotions into action. Open the door for them. Say thank you. Pick them flowers. Make them a gift. Put your heart into letting them know that you are thankful for them.

So, when you sit down with your turkey and stuffing, remember to give thanks!