Giving Thanks - One Simple Habit That Changes Your Life for Good
I think it’s safe to say we’ve all heard about the power of intentionally giving thanks each day.
Did You Make a Gratitude List Today?
Are you making sure you give thanks each day for what you have? If not, you are missing out on one of the most powerful things you can do to feel happier and healthier every day. Why not make today the day to start?
I have a friend on Instagram Susan Ely. Every day she shares what brings her joy. I love that idea. It’s so refreshing to read her joy list…and it gets me thinking about what I’m grateful for every day too. I asked Susan about it and she said she takes joy notes all day and puts them in her phone notes. Then she posts them at the end of each day on Instagram. How inspiring (you’ll be inspired by Susan’s beautiful water colors too – check them out)!
Record Your Thanks
You don’t have to post your thanks on social media - although there’s nothing wrong with sharing a little joy. But write three thanks down somewhere every day – on a whiteboard or blackboard, in a journal, or on your computer. Choose something to tangibly record your thanks.
The Simple Act of Being More Grateful leads to:
Happier thoughts – When you take stock of things you’re thankful for, you’re focusing on the positive, which crowds out the negative. The result over time is a more positive attitude.
Becoming a more thankful person – I know this is a bit obvious, but the result of being intentionally thankful each day will lead to FEELING grateful for the life you have instead of wishing for someone else’s.
Being more present – We’re focused on what’s happened today…not yesterday or tomorrow.
A more positive attitude all day – You’ll be making mental notes about the good stuff each day and actually record it in your mind before you put pen to paper.
Better physical health – There are so many health benefits – more energy, lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), better relationships, and for people with high blood pressure, gratitude can lead to a reduction in systolic blood pressure.
A healthier brain – Gratitude actually has the power to reshape your neural pathways and decrease stress and anxiety.
Being more thankful is a pretty simple act that has power to literally change our lives for good. Developing the habit of being more thankful leads to a happier healthier you.
What 3 things are you grateful for today?