Is it true that being grateful makes you healthier? Yes, according to several studies. Indeed, there is a lot of evidence that being grateful is good for your health, both physically and mentally. According to studies, having a grateful attitude helps you have a better immune system, a healthier heart, more energy, and a more positive approach on life.
The Science of Thankfulness
Gratitude, like every other emotion, has an impact on your outlook. When gratitude is utilized as a lens through which to observe the world, interpret and perceive your life, it has a very profound impact. Other pleasant feelings are associated with thankfulness, and these work in the body to deliver powerful physical health benefits.
According to studies, simply thinking about what you’re grateful for activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes calm and tranquil feelings. This can result in chemical reactions such as a rise in oxytocin (a hormone that aids in relationship bonding and enhances positive moods) and a decrease in cortisol (the stress hormone that has been linked to a number of health problems).
7 Ways to Be More Thankful
It is possible to learn thankfulness even if it does not come easily to you. It is possible to cultivate and incorporate it into daily life until it becomes a habit. Try these suggestions to help you develop gratitude in your life.
- Consider being thankful. The more you think about it, the more grateful you will become.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others. There will always be someone who has more or is better off than you. Seeking them out and obsessing over what you don’t have or don’t have enough of is a formula for dissatisfaction, resentment, and frustration.
- Keep a thankfulness journal and list the things for which you are grateful. This will not only act as a reminder, but it will also aid in the development of a grateful mindset.
- If you don’t see anything to be grateful for, take one thing and focus on it. As you slowly add things to your list, you’ll find things you’re grateful for.
- Shift your viewpoint. Look for the advantages in situations where things don’t go your way. You can do this either internally or externally. How did you mature? What did you get out of it?
- Make a mental shift. Negative words should be replaced with positive ones in your vocabulary. Allowing negativity to color your life experiences is not a good idea. Make the decision to be cheerful and have a positive attitude.
- Speak it out loud. Use your voice to express your gratitude to others. Tell them how much you appreciate them and how glad you are for what you have. Allow yourself to hear your grateful words so that they can sink in and become a part of who you are.
Gratitude makes you a healthier, happier person, so take some time to think of a few (or a lot!) things for which you are grateful. You’ll enjoy the benefits. If you would like to talk with us about your overall health and wellness, contact us. Innovative Chiropractic are your Mill Creek chiropractor and we can help.