November 2023 Blog – The Art of Gratitude
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
During Thanksgiving month it is appropriate to pause and reflect on ‘the art of gratitude”.
Many scientific studies supports the notion that an attitude of gratitude supports our brain health and well-being.
Harvard School of Medicine research states :
“In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways. They can apply it to the past (retrieving positive memories and being thankful for elements of childhood or past blessings), the present (not taking good fortune for granted as it comes), and the future (maintaining a hopeful and optimistic attitude). Regardless of the inherent or current level of someone’s gratitude, it’s a quality that individuals can successfully cultivate further.”
IF we are intentional about creating a space for the expression of gratitude daily it will help us to cultivate a positive mindset and create more joyful memories to last us a lifetime.
The act of gratitude help us reflect on the things that gives meaning to our lives, the things that adds value and joy to our day to day existence. The ability to express gratitude should not be measured by the big wins in life but rather by celebrating the ordinary that makes life possible and worthy of living.
By shifting our thoughts away from negative emotions and focusing on things we are grateful for we can improve our mood and outlook on our day and our circumstances.
Gratitude impacts our brain health through:
- Improves sleep
- Improves mood
- Improves motivation
- Decreases blood pressure
- Improves our ability to socially connect positively with others
Practical ways to assist with daily gratitude:
- Keep a daily Gratitude journal
- Write notes of appreciation to others
- Reframe a negative thought or experience into something that you may be grateful for (for example instead of that person creating a barrier for me; that person has created an opportunity for me)
Stay grateful my friends!
Happy Thanksgiving from Botes Memory Method to you and your friends and family!