Monday Moanin Thoughts #339 Practice Some Gratitude, It’s Good For You

It is hard to believe that we are a few days away from Thanksgiving 2019. This Holiday arrives at a perfect time. In Michigan, since August students and staff’s have been hitting the school year hard without any time off. The past several weeks have truly been a grind. As a result , it has been a challenge to be positive and find the good stuff.  Thanksgiving Day changes that. It is the time that most people reflect on gratitude and being thankful for those gifts that are important in their lives. This week,  make it a daily practice to reflect on those things we are grateful for! 

As we begin our practice of gratitude., consider making a commitment to reach out to ten people and thank them for who they are and what they do for others. It can be students, staff members, community members, or family. This small act is a powerful way to appreciate one another. By practicing more gratitude and acting with more optimism, researchers believe that good health is enhanced.

According to University of California Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons, grateful people — those who perceive gratitude as a permanent trait rather than a temporary state of mind — have an edge on the not-so-grateful when it comes to health, according to Emmons’ research on gratitude. “Grateful people take better care of themselves and engage in more protective health behaviors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, regular physical examinations,” Emmons tells WebMD.

Consider talking to yourself  in a creative, optimistic, and appreciative manner, suggests Sam Quick, PhD, of the University of Kentucky. This could entail simply reflecting on things for which you’re grateful or, if you’re facing a challenging situation, seeing how it can ultimately be beneficial. For instance, having to cope with particularly difficult people in your job can improve your patience and understanding.

Make it a great week and keep reaching out to others and be kind to yourself, it is good for you! Happy Thanksgiving.