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Being Thankful Can Improve Your Health!

By Dr. V. Norene Christensen

Have you ever considered how being thankful can influence your health? If you really stop and think about it, it makes sense.

We’ve all been around the person who complains all the time, views every situation with a glass is half-empty approach, or just has a flat low-energy negative personality.

You are probably picturing the face of someone now and immediately your posture sags. How different do you feel when someone smiles in your direction, shares an encouraging word, or gives you a thumbs-up?

How thankful are you when the constant complainer is replaced by the cheery sunshine person with a bubbly personality? Gratitude is a lot like that. The more thankful you are, the happier you are.

According to Harvard Health, “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.”

How cool is that? So Cool, that before every staff meeting at Four Pines Physical Therapy, we go around and name 3 things/people/experiences that we are grateful for.

Being Thankful Improves Health.

  • I am thankful for my husband, daughters, family, and friends who encourage me and just do life with me – I am not alone in my journey.
  • I am grateful that my strength and attitude flies at a much higher altitude than my stature.
  • I am thankful for the opportunity to serve people and help them feel better, so they can get back to doing what they love.
  • I am thankful for the adversities in my life that have given me opportunities to grow and learn more about myself… and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of learning lessons!
  • I am thankful to those who have picked me up when I have failed to only try and try again until I succeed.
  • I am thankful for the strength and determination to persevere and triumph.

Being Thankful Improves Health.

  • Who are you thankful for?
  • What are you thankful for?
  • What experiences are you thankful for?

 

I encourage you to take a moment each day and answer just one of these questions. Being thankful improves health. Be filled with gratitude…the quality of your life depends on it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Staff of Four Pines Physical Therapy hopes that you will fully enjoy your family and friends and be grateful for such love and support in your life.

Resources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier