Gratitude is Good for Your Health
At this time of year, we tend to take more time to acknowledge the things we have to be grateful for in our lives. It can be hard to do, though, when you’re faced with a challenge like CF, or you’re a caregiver for someone with CF, and you’re just too overwhelmed by everything you have to do to stay on top of your health. Sometimes we’re just not feeling so grateful.
But, did you know that gratitude is actually good for your health? It’s true. Having a regular “gratitude practice” supports both our mental and physical health.
Here are some of the benefits of being grateful:
Gratitude Relieves Stress- Relieving stress will improve your digestion, sleep, blood sugar and immunity. One study showed that participants who implemented a gratitude practice reduced their cortisol (stress hormone) production by 23%. They also showed an increase in DHEA, a precursor to some of our sex hormones.*
Gratitude Improves Relationships-Studies show that people who feel appreciated by their partner or spouse are more likely to stay committed to a relationship. So remember to thank the ones in your life you appreciate, whether they are co-workers, friends or family members. Expressing and receiving appreciation makes us all feel better.
Gratitude Improves Sleep- Participants in some studies have reported better quality and quantity of sleep. Try to meditate on a few things you’re grateful for before going to bed and see how you feel in the morning.**
Gratitude Improves Your Outlook-In one study, participants were asked to write in a journal 5 things they were grateful for each week, while a second group was asked to write 5 things that annoyed them each week. After 10 weeks, the grateful people reported feeling happier about life, had fewer health complaints and engaged in more exercise. A good outlook on life makes all the difference, and gratitude is a powerful way to improve yours. ***
So, how do you start a “gratitude practice?”
Start writing in a journal 3 to 5 things each day that you are grateful for. I like doing this at the end of each day to celebrate what went well and what I want to acknowledge is good. If you don’t like using a journal, try using a notebook or even make notes in your phone. When you feel like grumbling and groaning, go back and look at your list.
I also like to write a few things from my list on an index card or on my dry erase board near my desk as an “in my face” reminder of what is good.
Finally, everything is better with a friend. Try enlisting a gratitude buddy and remind each other of your blessings when one of you is feeling blah about your life.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and remember to count your blessings this week and every week.
*https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9737736/
**https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19073292/