Thank you: the power of gratitude for well-being
The gratitude is a positive emotion whose practice brings numerous benefits to our body and our mind, making us happier and healthier individuals. A study carried out jointly by the University of California and the University of Miami supports this.
Science has shown that emotional moments are remembered, and that our selective memory prefers good times, that is, the good things that happen to us. And precisely, gratitude is one of those positive emotions whose practice brings numerous benefits to our body and our mind, making us happier and healthier individuals.
The power of gratitude over our organism
Dedicate five minutes a day to give thanks, that is, to reflect on the good that has happened to us in the day and to think about all the good things we have in life are enough. As coach Roser de Tienda says, "a brief reflection when we get up, to start the day in a positive way, and a simple recount before going to bed, in which all the good things that have happened during the day are valued, are necessary" .
"The key to this exercise is to also focus on the smallest things, when you get up you can thank for having one more day, but when you go to bed it is important to stop and think and thank for those details that have made your day is worth it, like that little blanket and sofa with your family, or that affectionate message you have received from a friend, "says De Tienda.
This should not be a mechanical exercise. It is very important to stop for a few moments so that the emotion of gratitude will take us deep and deep, awakening our feelings, since this positive emotion has numerous benefits in our health and well-being.
Benefits of practicing gratitude
Practicing gratitude protects us from negative emotions and destructive impulses such as envy, resentment, greed and bitterness. It is also less likely that we are suffering from depression or anxiety. In addition, it improves tolerance to stress and increases our ability to cope with adverse situations (resilience).
People who are grateful experience more positive emotions and are usually happier, without losing sight of the fact that giving thanks improves our social relationships. If you want to feel more connected with others, experience better relationships and feel more altruistic, make gratitude a central part of your daily life.
Yes you practice this habit for at least 21 days, it will also improve your physical health. Grateful people tend to feel more energized, sleep and rest better and are able to recover more quickly from some diseases or prevent some mental disorders. Giving thanks has a healing effect.
Thankfulness facilitates a positive mood, a greater sense of connection with others and a more optimistic assessment of one's life. In addition, it helps to focus personal and work objectives. "The significant thing about gratitude is that it not only helps those who practice it, but also all those around them," says De Tienda.
To get it going, we need a thank-you notebook, where each day we reflect those things for which we want to thank. This continued practice will help us achieve the benefits cited.
Just like doing sports, we will improve as we practice. The only way to become very good at something is through practice. The repetition of a habit makes us better.
Store Roser. Master's Degree in Chiropractic and Life Coach. Specialized in family, health, natural birth, breastfeeding, and maternal coaching.
More information in the book Educate in gratitude. How to teach to appreciate the positive of life. Authors Jedrrey j. Droh and giacomo Bonus
