Do you want to instantly elevate your level of health in ALL aspects? I know we all get caught up in life and have a stress cloud that seems to be omnipresent around us. The truth is I would argue that we live in the one of the most stressful times in the history of humanity. For me, I am constantly trying to create balance in my life of chaos, which my wife would agree is a challenge for me sometimes. From eating better, exercising more, getting adjusted more frequently, learning to say “NO” to those activities that take me further away from balance, and trying to become more present in my daily life.
While all of these activities undoubtedly increase my physical, mental, and emotional health, they require time and effort and a learning curve. In fact, the more effort and time you invest in those things, your health will continue to improve. This is why I try and provide this information to my patients through our education process in our office. However, there is one simple thing you can do to get your day to begin with a better mindset creating a healthier you instantly. It doesn’t take much time or cost any money. Express gratitude.
People who express gratitude on a daily basis are healthier, a 2012 study proved it. Robert Emmons, Ph. D has shown that gratitude is directly linked with increased happiness and decreased depression. A study published in Applied Physiology showed that writing down things you are grateful for helped people sleep better and longer. Gratitude increases mental strength and improves self-esteem. All these things increase our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
How can you start the day off with gratitude? Read this as many times a day as necessary:
“The single easiest thing you can do right now to change your life, is to think about what you have to be grateful for right now.”
When you read this, get a mental picture of what you are grateful for right now. One of the first things that comes to my mind is my family. Another thing is the relationships in my life with my family, friends, and patients.
If you are reading this, you have a computer, tablet or mobile phone. You live in a free country and likely have some positive relationships in your life. That may be a good place to start. Make it a habit and it becomes easier and your health and well-being will change instantly.
In gratitude,