We have all heard that healthy living is about eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising. But what about our attitude, our general perspective on life, does it play a role in our well-being?
Studies have shown that making one small change in your attitude can add incredible benefits to your wellbeing. So, what is that small tweak? The answer is gratitude. An attitude of gratitude can potentially add years to your life.
Practicing gratitude on a daily basis is proven to improve sleep, mood, and even boost immunity. It can also reduce depression, chronic pain and risk of disease.
How can this be? Well, simply put, positive gestures release a hormone in our brain called oxytocin. It is commonly called the love hormone because it aides in building bonds between people. The more oxytocin we feed our brain each day, the more connected we feel to the world around us. These social connections, in turn, lead to the health benefits mentioned above.
So, if it is that easy, with so many incredible health benefits, why isn't everyone doing it?
Well, it may be due to the growing cynicism we encounter each day. A little negativity here, a little complaining there, and pretty soon we are sitting on a mound of pent-up frustration that ultimately moves our health in the opposite direction. According to the American Heart Association, this type of negative lifestyle can lead to poor heart health and an overall weaker immune system.
So, what is the answer? It's all about building new habits. After plenty of intentional practice, gratitude can become a more natural response which allows you to reap the health benefits.
Here are three small changes you can make to shift your grumpiness to gratitude:
1. Look for the good.
There will always be frustrating circumstances, but if you look hard enough, you'll find something to be thankful for. For example, next time you are out to eat, and the food takes a little too long to come out from the kitchen or, the waitress fails to bring refills, stop and be grateful you are in a position to enjoy a dinner out in the first place. Slowing down to look for the good in every situation is a great habit to form and may even rub off on those around you.
2. Consider what you don't know.
Next time you feel yourself about to do your signature eye roll, or add a sassy comment to the conversation, slow down to consider that there may be more going on than you understand. For example, that truck that sped past you along the highway may be carrying someone in an emergent situation to the nearest hospital. You may never really know, but there is one thing you can be certain of, you don't always have all the information to understand people's motives or decisions. Give a little more grace when you see things that ignite the negativity inside of you, and instead, find the path to thankfulness for the positive things you can identify instead.
3. See it, say it!
We encounter so many things to be thankful for each and every day. The warm smile that was exchanged with the barista at the coffee shop this morning, the young man who held the door for you at the post office, or the friend who sent a text to check-in on you. Each of these things are positive, encouraging things, but did you say thank you? Did you call out your appreciation to these individuals? What if you committed to the 'see it, say it' model? If you see something to be grateful for, express your gratitude right then and there. Imagine if you specifically expressed your gratitude to everyone you encounter who brings a little dose of positivity into your day. You would brighten your day, as well as theirs.
According to science, if you followed these methods, or even developed a few of your own, you would get a multitude of oxytocin doses throughout the day to not only boost your mood, but you would reap the many health benefits as well. Now is the time to add gratitude to your wellness plan.
So, get out there and express your gratitude to the world, your health depends on it!
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