What if Thanksgiving wasn’t just a holiday, but a daily practice that could transform your mindset and your health?
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
I choose to live my life with a “glass half-full” attitude which equates to seeing the good side of things or in other words, being grateful for ordinary, everyday things. I’m not sure why I do this without thinking, but likely because I live a life surrendered to Christ and know that I can’t see the forest through the trees in my daily life on earth. HE is in control and I am called to trust Him so I do. That doesn’t mean I don’t get sad or upset or down. I do. But knowing that He is in control gives me peace through uncertain times.
Example: My dad fell and broke his hip in 3 places last week. My dad is 84 and diabetic, not in good physical shape. He has a long road to recover from this and his blood glucose levels have been out of control, complicating the process. I’ve been pretty emotional and worried about him. Talking to God about him all week and praying for he and my mom. They are in their winter home in Arizona which is a 3-day drive or a flight away. Not easy to pop in and help/visit . Yesterday he turned a corner and is doing much better! All praise to God!! My point is trusting God when you don’t know the outcome.
Practicing a gratitude mindset is an act of faith and mindset that also aligns with spiritual health and personal wellness. Another example from my life is my own autoimmune journey. It took 18 months to get a diagnosis and begin treatment. Meanwhile I was fighting to retain my life as I knew it and losing ground in my battle. Damage was being done inside my body and I didn’t understand what was happening on any level. So many doctor appointments and so many tests that came back normal had me (and the doctors) completely perplexed. Eventually, I saw Dr. Lavy who I still refer to as the smartest neurologist I know! She had seen my rare condition in her residency and knew what further tests to order which confirmed her hunch. Diagnosis is only the first step. Not an easy one either but beyond diagnosis lies the land of the unknown and many life changes. I’m happy to share my story and I’m writing a book about it because I think it’s important to get it into the world to encourage others that remission is possible and life can look even better than before! If you’d like to hear more, I’m more than happy to share. Let’s jump on a call! Staying positive and practicing gratitude saw me through this tumultuous time in my life. It still does! Life is different but I can honestly thank God for my autoimmune condition and the new life it brought me to!
The Science-Backed Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
Improved Mental Health
Gratitude has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants who practiced daily gratitude experienced higher levels of positive emotions and lower levels of depressive symptoms.
How it works: Gratitude shifts focus from negative thoughts to positive ones, helping to rewire the brain toward optimism.
Enhanced Physical Health
Research indicates that grateful people report fewer aches and pains and take better care of their health by exercising more and attending regular checkups.
Why this matters: Gratitude reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to better immune function and lower blood pressure. Practicing gratitude is vital for healing!
Better Sleep Quality
Studies, including one in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, have found that practicing gratitude before bed can lead to improved sleep quality.
Try this: A simple gratitude journaling practice can calm the mind and prepare the body for rest.
Increased Resilience
Grateful people are more likely to bounce back from adversity. A study in the journal Behavior Research and Therapy found that gratitude fosters resilience by encouraging a focus on personal strengths and resources.
Key takeaway: Gratitude shifts attention to what’s going right, even in tough times.
Strengthened Relationships
Expressing gratitude strengthens bonds and increases feelings of connectedness. Research from the Journal of Theoretical Social Psychology reveals that people who express gratitude are more likely to build lasting, meaningful relationships.
Pro tip: Saying “thank you” sincerely can deepen connections with loved ones.
Boosted Happiness Levels
Practicing gratitude increases dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, chemicals associated with feelings of joy and contentment.
A well-known study from Dr. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, showed that writing a weekly gratitude list can increase overall happiness by 25%.
Reduced Stress and Improved Heart Health
Gratitude has been linked to lower heart rates and improved cardiovascular health. A study from the American Journal of Cardiology found that people with higher gratitude levels had healthier heart rate variability and less chronic stress.
How to Cultivate Gratitude Daily
Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down 3 things you’re thankful for each day, even on tough days.
Practice Mindful Appreciation: Notice the small blessings in daily life, like a warm cup of tea or the kindness of a stranger.
Use Gratitude Prompts: “Who made you smile today?” or “What challenge has taught you a valuable lesson?”
Gratitude Walks: Take a short walk outdoors and mentally note what you’re grateful for in the moment. I am always grateful for two strong legs and a body that can walk!
Express It: Write a thank-you note, call a loved one, or pray a gratitude-focused prayer.
Gratitude Matters for Autoimmune Healing! Focusing on the positive can ease mental stress, reduce inflammation, and promote a healing mindset.
Thanksgiving-Specific Gratitude Practices
Create a “Gratitude Jar” during Thanksgiving dinner where family members write things they’re grateful for.
Use gratitude to navigate holiday stress such as focusing on blessings rather than perfection.
A Gentle Nudge to Take Action
Download my eBook titled “9 Power Tips to Crush Autoimmune Fatigue and Boost Your Energy!” that includes a gratitude section. This free resource provides additional tips for how to implement a gratitude practice in your life.
