When we are thankful we are happier and healthier people mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Studies show that when we give thanks it improves all aspects of our health.
Giving thanks occupies the same space in your brain that worrying does, which means you can’t worry and give thanks at the same time.
Over Christmas my boys and I went on our first mission trip to Nicaragua through Ambassadors to the Nations. Seeing such extreme poverty broke our hearts and really helped us focus on how blessed we are. We have running water that can be hot or cold with a turn of a knob. We have indoor toilets. We have electricity. We have a refrigerator, stove, and microwave. We have heat, and air conditioning. We have windows and screens to keep the weather and bugs out. Many around the world do not have these amazing luxuries that we take for granted. Sadly, 1/3 of the Nicaraguan children don’t even get to go to school.
Here’s Maxwell’s (our son’s) video from our trip.
BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE
Improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and they report feeling healthier than other people, according to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health. They exercise more often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups with their doctors, which is likely to contribute to further longevity.
Improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
Improves sleep. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.
Improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athlete’s self-esteem, which is an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs – which is a major factor in reduced self-esteem- grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.
Increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that Vietnam War Veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11. Recognizing all you have to be thankful for – even during the worst times of your life – fosters resilience.
The above benefits are taken from the Forbes article:
7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude that will motivate you to give thanks all year-round.
Here are other articles on the importance of gratitude and how it affects your health and happiness.
Giving thanks can make you happier – Harvard Health
Why gratitude is healthy – Huffington Post
Boost Your Health With a Dose of Gratitude – WebMd
TIPS
1. Exercise
Gratitude and fitness go hand-in-hand. Studies show that people who practice gratitude also exercise more. Therefore if you practice gratitude, it can lead to more consistent exercise. Exercise reduces stress, and clears your mind. Thankful people who move more experience a healthier mind, body, and spirit.
2. Journal
Keeping a gratitude journal can reinforce positive thoughts — something particularly helpful as the brain tends to naturally focus on what goes wrong. Write for 5 to 10 minutes every other day, or write down 5 things you are grateful for at the end of each day. Commit to doing it, and if you write it down eventually it will become more automatic. Have a gratitude action plan, whether it’s waking up and writing in the morning or in the evening before you go to sleep — do what works best for you.
3. Volunteer
Studies show that volunteering can result in lower feelings of depression and increased overall well-being. We become more grateful as givers. I truly believe we are put on this earth not just for ourselves but to help others. Look at your talents and see where you can use them to make a difference. Service helps us find a part of ourselves and wakes up our spirituality.
What a blessing it was to meet the girls that we sponsor. This is Noemi, she is 5 years old.
Volunteer Ideas
a. Immerse yourself into a situation like we did by going on a mission trip. Find a cause you are passionate about – helping children, building schools or homes, helping animals, etc. Get your kids involved and make it a family trip (aka Volun-Cation). There’s mission trips just for teenagers like Group Missions to go on and there are places to help animals like PAWS (and many others).
b. Educate yourself on the poverty and needs in your community. Did you know that over 1,300 children in the Madison school district are homeless? Whenever you get a new coat or boots for yourself or children, donate your old ones to a local school. Check in with the school in your neighborhood to see what their needs are (volunteering, supplies, snacks, etc.). Donate to your local food pantries.
Badger Prairie Needs Network – dedicated to fighting hunger
Big Brothers Big Sisters – mentor a child or volunteer in their school
Box of Balloons – birthday supplies for children that are homeless or in abuse shelters
Joining Forces for Families – helps families with basic needs
River Food Pantry – meals, groceries, clothing, and household items
The Road Home – help end homelessnesses
YWCA – eliminating racism and empowering women
c. Sponsor a child. There are tons of children in need through many organizations. We sponsor children through Ambassadors to the Nations, and World Vision. One of the things we love about Ambassadors to the Nations is that 100% of our monthly donation goes to our children, and it only costs $10 a month to sponsor a child. Research what’s out there and find the best fit for you. #helpachild
d. Have a charity party. My son was inspired after our mission trip to have charity parties once he got back to LA. If you’re having a party, why not do it for a purpose and make a difference in the lives of others. When you have a party donate your time as a group, have everyone bring non-perishable food items, or collect money and donate it to a charity. #partywithapurpose
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that in order to achieve contentment, one should “cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously”.
Wishing you more contentment, happiness, and peace, today and always!
Shine Brightly,
Ali
P.S. Here’s one of my video clips from our mission trip.
