If practiced regularly, gratitude can help keep you healthier and happier. Several studies, according to Psychology Today, agree that gratitude can increase optimism, energy levels, lower anxiety and improve sleeping patterns; among others.
The National Institute for Health even studied the blood flow of people who were told to feel grateful. The study found that the “subjects who showed more gratitude overall had higher levels of activity in the hypothalamus. This is important because the hypothalamus controls a huge array of essential bodily functions, including eating, drinking and sleeping. It also has a huge influence on your metabolism and stress levels. From this evidence on brain activity it starts to become clear how improvements in gratitude could have such wide-ranging effects from increased exercise, and improved sleep to decreased depression and fewer aches and pains,” according to Psychology Today.
Rachel Hollis, author of the best-selling book “Girl, Wash Your Face,” motivational speaker and blogger, says we all should be practicing “active gratitude.” She suggests to write down 10 things you are thankful for each day.
What are you grateful for today? Are you thankful for your family, your job, your new car or more simply a good cup of coffee at breakfast. The more gratitude that you practice, the more joy you will create in your day to day life. Keep in mind gratitude takes practice like any other skill.
The holidays are a great time of year to start practicing active gratitude and if you come up short on inspiration, God’s word is full of reminders of how to have a thankful heart in our world.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; …” Ps. 136:1-5
“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Ps. 9:1
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17
At Syfan Logistics and Transport we are thankful for our team members, all of our clients, drivers, the freedom we all enjoy in this great country and opportunity for prosperity. For all of these things we are deeply thankful. Merry Christmas!