Today, I’m going to cap off our “mindfulness series” with a super important topic: gratitude.
There’s real science behind it – and how taking time to feel and express gratitude can actually help you reach your goals.
If you want to do some extra research-backed reading on this topic, here’s a link: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_motivates_us_to_become_better_people.
I’m just going to hit the high points about how having a gratitude practice can help YOU.
You see, when you make the time to actively think about what you’re grateful for, it’s like doing a positivity reset for your brain and heart.
- It can lead you to see that you deserve positive things to happen in your life, and
- that you are capable of making them happen.
- It can help you feel better physically, with fewer symptoms of illness, and even
- help you to improve your relationships, do better in school and in your career, and so much more.
And here’s something really interesting …
People who regularly express gratitude are more motivated to engage in healthier activities that help them be more successful.
So, how do you build your gratitude muscles?
Idea #1: Keep a gratitude journal
It’s pretty simple. All you have to do is write down three things every day that you’re grateful for – taking a moment to really FEEL the gratitude as you write.
Be sure to get specific – that’s how you really get those warm and fuzzies!
BUT … if you want to add a little “juice” to that, here’s something else to try:
Idea #2: The Subtraction Exercise.
Think about something important in your life – it could be a person, your health, something you’ve achieved, or an experience you’ve had.
Now … imagine your life without it.
What would be different? How would YOU and your day-to-day life be different?
Doing this exercise can help boost happiness and gratitude, according to researchers.
Powerful stuff!
Today, I’m grateful for:
- My home and family (1 wonderful and funny husband, 3 crazy chickens, 2 rescue dogs, 2 hard-working beehives and 2 ungrateful feral cats that I feed every week)
- My health and fitness (I am strong and healthy and I have good endurance.)
- My amazing clients (Some of them have become friends I’ve hung out with)
- My amazing team (I can take a vacation now, and things will run smoothly without me!)
Need a daily dose of health & fitness motivation and inspiration? Join my private Facebook community, and surround yourself with positive people. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HFandU/.
What are YOU grateful for?
Let us know in the comments below.
