Gratitude has almost become a fad.  While I am thrilled there is more conversation around this important action, I just want to take a moment to say I hope it is more than a passing phase for you.

As someone who has stared down a grave diagnosis, I just might be the most grateful person ever.  We all face difficult  situations, it is part of life.  How we respond has many ripples. Experiencing gratitude is powerful and often the lifeline we need. It is important to strengthen this part of us consistently so that it is ready when called upon.

Recently I discovered an easy way to incorporate the practice of gratitude in The Five Minute Journal.  Full disclosure, I am not 100% consistent. Several days a week has been a gift I have given myself.

When we think about our health, we think in terms of what we’re eating, what we’re drinking, how much we’re exercising — but we rarely think about our health being related to what we think about.

Your thoughts, your attitude, and your mental tone have an incredible amount of power over your health.

 We all have something to be grateful for, so it’s the perfect place to begin.

Here’s why gratitude is so essential to your health…

1. It boosts feelings of satisfaction

Show your gratitude by putting it in writing. Get out your thank you cards and start writing. Write them to your kids’ teachers. Write one to your parents, to your spouse, your best friend. Writing letters of gratitude will ensure you feel good inside and out, and you’ll be spreading those good feelings to those you’re writing to.

2. It builds relationships

Find ways to weave in expressing gratitude for those things people do for you that you appreciate. Even if it’s just your kids putting the dishes in the dishwasher for you — express your gratitude. It will motivate them to keep doing more, and it will reduce your stress by seeing the good in things.

3. It helps your mental wellness

Taking a moment to be thankful for the things you have despite the challenges is good for your mental health and well-being. Sometimes it can be hard to see the good things in life, so keep a journal if necessary and write things down. When you feel low, you can flip through it and find something to smile about. As an added bonus, it boosts more than your mood by increasing energy levels too.

4. You’ll sleep better

When you find things to be grateful for instead of focusing on the negativity, it allows your mind to relax. This, in turn, leads to better sleep. Try writing a gratitude list before you go to bed to use this power to your advantage so you can fall asleep faster.

5. It can help you with your exercise too

With recognition for things that you’re grateful for, you feel happier. Feeling happier gives you more energy, and hence, it will keep you feeling good about your workouts too. Sometimes the only thing we need is the motivation to START the workout, and a positive attitude helps get you there.

Don’t mistake this for feeling like you have to be positive 24/7. Other emotions are real, necessary, and deserve to be honored.

Choosing to practice gratitude daily will positively shift things.

Let’s start practicing now!

Please use the comment section below to let me know one thing you’re grateful for today. It can be as big or as small as you want — nothing is off limits. We LOVE hearing from you!

In health and gratitude,

Elaine & Nevin

P.S. Before I forget, if you are ever feeling overwhelmed and are ready to “Claim Your Extraordinary” it is time to book your FREE  Discovery Conversation.

CLICK HERE to Speak With Elaine.

P.P.S. If you have enjoyed this information and can think of someone that would be well served to receive the information, please share.