A few years ago, I started writing in a journal – not every day, but as much as I can – and I vowed to start it every day with one question: What am I grateful for today?
Today, I’m grateful for sunshine (soon to be a rare sight as Vancouver winter looms closer), long weekends (it’s Canadian Thanksgiving!) and quality time with loved ones.
But why am I talking about gratitude on a health and fitness blog?
Well, I like to take a holistic view on health – it’s not just about your physical body. My belief is that our bodies are inextricably connected mentally and spiritually, whatever that means to you. You can eat well and work out a lot, but if you’re stressed, or angry, or sad…you’re not really healthy.
There is a lot we can talk about there, but today, I want to focus on the power of gratitude.
The interesting thing about the simple yet profound “emotion” we call gratitude is its positive effect on your health.
Research, real clinical trials, have actually shown that gratitude led to better sleep, improved immune function, heart health, maybe even reduced aging in the brain.
Think about that - in the hard science of our physical bodies, our ATTITUDES can make a difference in how healthy we are.
For example, studies have shown that people who report being more grateful also have less aches and pains, are more likely to go to the doctor when they feel ill, and generally are physically healthier.
One of my favorite things about this topic are studies that concluded that more grateful people were also more RESILIENT people. Gratefulness makes you a more hopeful person, which in turn can allow you to deal better (physically AND mentally) with difficult situations, such as trauma that causes PTSD and fighting cancer.
This is anecdotal, but when my sister was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, her physicians commented that her sunny attitude and positive outlook actually helped her recover quickly from surgery and experience less side effects from chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
All of these examples show that how we perceive the world has a role in how even our bodies respond and adapt. We may have little control over most things, but we can control what we do about it.
Personally, I am overwhelmed by how much I have to be grateful for. I’m downright spoiled.
Which I guess means I should be the healthiest person in the world.
What are YOU grateful for today?
Articles to consider:
Be thankful: Science says gratitude is good for your health