The Power of Being Grateful
Join Dr. Knight for the 30-Day November Gratitude Challenge and learn how to generate a powerful habit of expressing gratitude and finding happiness daily in your lives.
As we look forward to the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, a Buddhist proverb states, “’Enough’ is a feast.” Think about after the turkey feast. Is it possible for ‘Enough’ to continue in our lives as we express gratitude more regularly? Let’s look at the potential of daily gratitude:
Health Benefits from Daily Gratitude
The power of daily gratitude generates a wealth of health benefits, including feelings of optimism about oneself, improved sleep habits, reduction in stress, and stronger immune systems. Grateful people tend to experience less aches and pains, with fewer toxic emotions, leading to a general increase in well-being and health, according to a study published in Personality and Individual Differences in 2012.
Establishing a Habit of Daily Gratitude
Accessing those health benefits means developing a habit of feasting in gratitude throughout the year. Ralph Waldo Emerson said the key to daily gratitude comes when we “cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously.”
Perhaps you share the popular tradition on Thanksgiving of having everyone express thankfulness for things in their lives. The most common topics usually come up – family, health, freedom, talents, and abilities – definitely important aspects of our lives.
If we take Emerson to heart though, it’s about finding joy in every good thing that comes into your life – every day.
Take Notice of Your Life on a Daily Basis
While you may be grateful for your family or health on a daily basis, being thankful for those things regularly might get tedious. Look for specific moments in your day that brought you joy, even if it’s small. Consciously take notice of the things you normally take for granted. Feel free to write them down in a gratitude journal.
Grateful people tend to reach out and find the good in their lives, even amongst their challenges and setbacks. By opening your eyes to new things that bring you happiness each day, you can truly feast upon the power of gratitude.
We hope the 30-Day November Gratitude Challenge brings enrichment to your life and increases your overall body health. For added health benefits, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Knight today!