Give Thanks and Practice Gratitude
There is real science behind the importance of practicing gratitude. According to Harvard Medical School, giving thanks actually makes you happier. And these days we can all use a bit more “happy” in our lives. Gratitude by definition is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, and that can be tangible or intangible. It’s an important part of our wellness journey.
By practicing gratitude, we look for the goodness in our lives. Where is that goodness coming from? Nature, other people in our lives, a greater being? It helps us connect with something bigger than ourselves. It helps us look at what we have in our lives right now and appreciate those things.
And those things don’t have to be major items either. It could be gratitude for waking up and having a moment of calm before the day starts. Gratitude for the ability to open a window and see the trees blowing in the wind. Gratitude that the kids unloaded the dishwasher. By recognizing what we are grateful for our body and mind feel more positive emotions. Studies show people who practice gratitude are healthier, happier, deal with adversity better, and are able to build stronger relationships.
Ok, you’re saying you in…but how does one practice gratitude?
Keep a gratitude journal. Take 5 minutes each morning or evening to write down a few things that you are grateful for that day.
Tell someone you love and appreciate them.
Include one act of kindness in your day.
Commit to not complaining one day a week.
Make a gratitude collage and hang it somewhere you will see it daily to remind you of what you’re grateful for.
Make gratitude part of a family dinner tradition where each member goes around and says what they are grateful for that day.
In this time of thanks let’s remember to thank ourselves and be grateful for what we have at this precious moment in time. At Spa Theory we’re grateful for you, our community of wellness warriors and beauty insiders.
