Let's keep our mood up with the power of gratitude.
Gratitude is not just a self care power tool but it is also a spiritual tool. To be well is to find your balance physically, mentally, and spiritually. Gratitude allows for that to happen as it has scientifically been proven to help you become happier.
Did you know that simply journaling for five minutes a day about what we are grateful for can enhance our long-term happiness by over 10%? (Emmons & McCullough, 2003; Seligman,Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005)
Gratitude can also help in changing our state of mind as it helps us realize were we are in the present.
In this way, practicing gratitude can even help in defeating depression and anxiety. As we focus on gratitude, it then helps us to be more mindful while moving us away from the past and running toward the future.
Gratitude helps us become closer to our faith.
When we think about our physical being: if we allow gratitude in, it then changes our emotions and our mental health by allowing the positivism to help our physical health to become healthier. For example: studies support that "Patients with hypertension who “count their blessings” at least once a week experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure, resulting in better overall health" (Shipon, 1977). Lastly, when we are aware of our blessings and are thankful, we can rest in knowing that God continues to protect us. Remember:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7)
-Fanya
Simple activities to help you live out Gratitude: Keeping a gratitude journal Practice saying Thank You Keep a Gratitude Jar Pray and meditate on your blessings Literally Count your Blessings Gratitude Box Participate Gratitude Challenge with Friends on Line Bonus: Share your gratitude with your loved
About our guest contributor:
Fanya Love, MSW and Entrepreneur has a passion for healing the unraveled and being a light in a dark place. She helps her clients by promoting self-care and tapping into resiliency to find balance and inner peace.
Additionally, she has an educational background in Clinical Social Work and is registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker. She is passionate about working to help others to stay mentally healthy.
Fanya empowers her clients to use positive coping skills through the use of problem solving skills, behavioral modification by the decrease in negative thought patterns in order to achieve a life of gratitude and happiness that starts within.
For more information about her experience, portfolio or how you can collaborate on an upcoming project, get in touch with her today!
Twitter: @LadyGenes1s
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