Exercise Your Mind by Practicing Gratitude
Take a moment to think about some of the good things that happened to you today. Maybe the latte you grabbed on the way to work was particularly delicious. Maybe your spouse took care of a chore you’ve been neglecting. Or maybe you caught a glimpse of a lovely sunrise on your morning walk. Those moments are perfect times to practice the art of gratitude and reap some powerful mental benefits.
“Practicing gratitude” has become a bit of a buzzword lately, but science reveals that it’s more than just a social media trend. Studies show that the simple act of acknowledging your gratitude for moments both large and small can have wide-ranging effects, from boosting serotonin to reducing stress.
At Kintsugi Physical Therapy and Wellness, we try to practice gratitude in every way we can. Whether we’re celebrating our patients’ victories or excited about a new treatment approach, we understand the benefits of practicing gratitude–and want to help you experience them, too!
Three Ways Practicing Gratitude Can Benefit You
Research into gratitude shows that it can impact our mental health in myriad ways–and as a holistic practice, we recognize that a healthy mind can lead to a healthy body! Here are three reasons to start practicing gratitude today:
It acts as a natural antidepressant. Acknowledging your gratitude triggers the production of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters dubbed “the happy chemicals.” When these neurotransmitters are high, your mood elevates–and you’ll find it easier to do what you want.
It reduces stress and boosts well-being: Practicing gratitude also helps activate our parasympathetic nervous system–the body system responsible for helping us “rest and digest.” No one can exist in a state of high stress all the time. By letting yourself rest and digest, you can improve your overall well-being.
It helps boost your overall satisfaction: The more you practice gratitude, the less likely you are to dwell on negative emotions like jealousy, resentment, and regret–all of which can leave you unsatisfied with life. Focusing on the positives in your life shapes your mindset toward a “glass half full” perspective.
How Can I Start Practicing Gratitude?
The great thing about practicing gratitude is that it’s easy to get started! Think back to those good things that happened to you today. For each one, spend a moment or two dwelling on it and offer a simple “thank you” that you were able to have that experience. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on those things you’re grateful for; before you know it, it’ll become a habit.
If you’re looking for more concrete ways to practice gratitude, try writing things down. Keep a gratitude journal and add a new item every day. Take up the practice of writing thank you notes to people who help you in some way.
At work, take a few brief breaks throughout the day to reflect on what’s gone well so far. You can also use this time to perform a few simple stretches or walk around the office, further cementing that mind-body connection.
Make it a point to dwell on those little moments that give you joy each day, no matter how small: spotting a flash of red as a cardinal flits through your yard, curling up under your favorite blanket with a good book, or hearing a favorite song on the radio.
Kintsugi Physical Therapy and Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Physical Therapy
Practicing gratitude fits in beautifully with our whole-person approach to physical therapy. Many of our patients come to us struggling with pain or limited functionality, and it can be tough for them to stay positive as they work through treatment.
That’s why we encourage them to practice gratitude and why we practice gratitude with them. By celebrating every win, no matter how small, we can help you remember what you’re working toward.
If you live in the Greater Seattle Area near Normandy Park and think you’d benefit from a holistic approach to physical therapy, request an appointment with us today!
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30949102/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20451313/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5506019/