What is one simple thing that you can do that boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, decreases depression, and improves your relationships… and by-the-way, it’s FREE!?
PRACTICE BEING GRATEFUL!
Studies show there are significant health benefits to being grateful. Practicing thanksgiving and gratefulness lowers blood pressure, induces relaxation, and an improves our immune system. Additionally, people that practice thankfulness tend to have better health habits such as eating healthy and getting regular exercise.
Additionally, acknowledging the good in life tends to amplify positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and love. Gratefulness also equips us to handle the difficulties in life and allows us to be more resilient to the inevitable ups-and-downs that come our way.
Here are five ways that you can carry the spirit of the Thanksgiving season forward and improve your health and well-being:
- Keep a gratitude journal. I’ve been doing this for three years each morning and it makes a difference in my day by setting my intentions and focusing my thoughts on positivity. My favorite journal is linked here: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Minute-Gratitude-Journal
- At the end of every day say three things that you are grateful for – say it out loud and/or share it with your family. This is a fun activity that you can do around the dinner table each night, or as you tuck your children into bed. It’s never too early to get others in the habit of practicing gratefulness.
- Thank your partner! We tend to overlook gratefulness in our closest relationships and can start to take for granted the importance and impact that they have on our lives. Continuously building a relationship of gratefulness builds a powerful bond of love and trust.
- Thank yourself! Make sure you send yourself some appreciation for the positive habits or accomplishments that you have achieved. Sometimes we can be our own worst-critic – flip the script and show yourself some gratitude!
- Focus on others. Send a gratitude email or text to someone each week and let them know how much you appreciate them. Can you imagine the positive vibes you will be creating in your circle of influence?
So, take the cue of the Thanksgiving season and start practice gratefulness every day! “Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy!” ~ Jefferson Bethke
For more information on our signature consulting programs to help you manage through the phases of the business cycle, connect with jeanette@greenlightleaders.com via email or visit our website www.greenlightleaders.com
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