It's so easy to focus on the things going wrong in our lives, or dwell on the bad things we honestly have no control over. It's also very easy to take all the blessings for granted. We all have so much to be grateful for and recognizing this is actually beneficial to your mental health!
Enhances Mood
Each act of gratitude can increase happiness by 10% and decrease depression by 35%.
Strengthen Relationships
You're more likely to embrace and appreciate the people in your life when you recall all the things you love about them. When the gratitude is reciprocated it strengthens your bond.
Better Brain Power
Gratitude activates areas of the brain that are responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and empathy. This gives you a more graceful reaction and recovery when facing and bouncing back from obstacles.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
When you practice gratefulness you experience less instances of anxiety. It can help calm the nervous system, which can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing when stressful situations arise.
Improved Health
Gratitude improves sleep, immunity and even decrease chronic pain or disease.
Focusing on everything you're grateful for helps you avoid comparing your life or circumstances to others (which can be damaging and often deceiving). It's good to balance out our natural tendency to focus on negative information by redirecting that focus on the positives. When focusing on positive thoughts, the brain releases chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins, also known as your "feel-good" chemicals, contributing to feelings of happiness and well-being.
This Thanksgiving season, make it a goal to focus on gratitude. Stay well, stay positive and be grateful!
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