I love drinking my morning coffee out of my new mug above. It’s such a great “first thing in the morning” reminder of how I want my day to begin.Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays because it draws people together with such a positive purpose – to be reminded of all of our blessings.
I’ve really tried to make gratitude a priority in my life. Regardless of your daily struggles and heartaches, there is probably plenty you can give thanks for. Did you know that a grateful heart can actually improve your health?
The connection between health and gratitude actually goes back a long ways. Throughout history, philosophers and religious leaders have shown that gratitude is integral to a person’s health and well being. Mental health professionals in the emerging field of positive psychology, are taking a closer look at how gratitude can benefit our health with some positive results.
“Grateful people are those who perceive gratitude as a permanent trait vs. a temporary state of mind. They have an edge over those less grateful when it comes to their health” according to Web MD’s research of gratitude. Gratitude helps to lower stress levels, which have been shown to be connected with cardiovascular disease and cancer. Gratitude provides this benefit by helping people cope better with their stress.
“There are some very interesting studies linking optimism to better immune function,” says Lisa Aspinwall, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Utah. In one, researchers comparing the immune systems of healthy, first-year law students under stress found that, by midterm, students characterized as optimistic (based on survey responses) maintained higher numbers of blood cells that protect the immune system, compared with their more pessimistic classmates.
These are just some of the health benefits of gratitude. Another interesting find was that it wasn’t material things that provided the greatest life satisfaction. It’s more about your perspective on life. People with very little, as well as those with money, could be found equally grateful. I think this is good news and I believe we need to be thankful right where we’re at today. I recall being very happy in my 20’s and 30’s when money was very tight.
It’s about connection and a positive attitude, even when things don’t look so great.You are your happiest when you decide to be. I wish for you this season to have a grateful heart filled with thanksgiving! Blessings my friends.
