How gratitude can change your physiology
Today I was talking with a friend about the notion of ‘keeping up with the Jones'' and being grateful for what you've got.
I thought I'd highlight the key takeaways in a short and sweet little post here today. I've witnessed and experienced the internal and external pain caused from chasing the unattainable. People lose more than they gain in that empty pursuit - and I mean that literally not figuratively.
We don't know what is going on behind closed doors. People can look like they have it all but many will concede it is all smoke and mirrors.
To feel like you have abundance you don't have to acquire more.
It is a mindset shift.
It is engaging gratitude.
Gratitude allows you to become more cognisant of all that you have. It is easy for our possessions, achievements and special people to be taken for granted. But if you take the time to be intentionally appreciative, you'll be amazed at how much abundance you really do have already.
I once sent one of my best friends a gratitude list, filled with emojis and optimism. He didn't like it. He told me so. I realised that it wasn't very me. I'm probably not the kind of person who needs to share my gratitude list with others, but if you have a community or a friend that embraces that then go for it. I do however think there is great merit in taking the time to list things. Do it in your journal. Or in your head when your head hits the pillow. Or sing about it as you take a shower in the morning. Whatever suits you, find your own way, and be grateful.
Here are some journal prompts if you like to put pen to paper:
List three things that happened today for which you are grateful.
Identify a recent challenge or difficulty you faced. Write about one thing within that experience for which you can be grateful for.
Consider an area of your life that you've noticed growth. It could be a skill, a mindset, or a habit. Write about the progress you've made.
List things you are grateful for related to your five senses – whether it's the taste of a favourite meal, the smell of fresh rain, or the sound of laughter.
This newsletter is called ‘In The Pursuit of Wellness’ and in fact I have learned that gratitude affects your mind, body and spirit positively, improving wellness in every facet. Here is how:
Start: Engaging gratitude
→ engages parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest)
→ reduces blood pressure & heart rate
→ reduces stress
→ reduces chances of anxiety attacks, heart disease, and so on
→ improves digestion
→ improves sleep quality
→ improves mood
→ aids weight loss & gut health
What more evidence do you need that gratitude is where it’s at! Go forth and spread the gratitude where
