Did you know having an attitude of gratitude can literally save your life? It can lower blood pressure, drop your pain levels, and give you better sleep!
Here in America, we are getting close to Thanksgiving, but I’m sad to say gratitude is usually the last thought on our minds. It shouldn’t be that way. We focus on getting ready for family and friends to come over. We focus on cooking and cleaning, and travel plans. But gratitude is the last on the list.
I’ve been working on a new holiday-themed gratitude journal to help those who struggle during the holiday season. I’ll let you all know when it’s available on Amazon. It should be out this week.
You see, when we spend time in gratitude, we literally change our own biochemistry. Every negative thought sends cortisol and adrenaline pouring into our veins. On the other hand, every positive thought sends out good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins.
- Dopamine: enhances learning, focus, and motivation
- Endorphins: triggers feelings of happiness and bliss
- Oxytocin: empathy hormone makes you feel more connected to the world around you.
- Serotonin: regulates attention, behavior, and body temperature
Studies show that people who practice gratitude regularly have 20% more gray matter than those who stay in a constant state of stress.
“In everything, give thanks…”
It does not say to give thanks FOR everything. It says IN. It means that despite everything going wrong, find something you can be grateful for. Why? It literally changes our biochemistry, our behavior, and our health. I hope you take the time to adopt an attitude of gratitude this holiday season.
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