Page 10 - Scene Magazine November 2023 47-11

Health Scene
BY PRISCILA DIEGUEZ-MOYA, MA, LPC Counselor, Bronson HelpNet
can holidays. In my country of origin, Argentina, there is no holiday like Thanksgiving. I enjoy spending the day focused on what I am grateful for. But gratitude goes beyond Thanksgiving and the holiday season. When practiced daily, gratitude can change our lives mentally, physically, and spiritually. Life can be brighter, more hopeful, and exciting when we appreciate the little things.
play in providing my life with goodness.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines gratitude as, “The state of being grateful; being appreciative of benefits received.”
the time to write down what makes you happy and what you appreciate in life. Consider keeping a notebook on your nightstand and making a habit
of writing down what you are grateful for every day before you even get out of bed. By beginning your day with a positive outlook on life, you will reap the benefits all day long.
Make a list: Start tracking everything you are thankful for. Write about the gifts and grace you might receive or have in your life, and the things you enjoy most throughout the day. This is a great way to recognize the good in your life and not take things for granted.
Build a gratitude container: Write down things you are thankful for and place them in a jar or box. When you are feeling down or need a pick-me- up, you can pull one out to help you remember something you have to be thankful for.
Share your gratitude with others: Be sure to let others know when they do something you are grateful for! This act will help strengthen your relationships.
Give thanks for your meals: Having the ability to buy groceries and cook a meal that we enjoy is a gift we should cherish.
Go through the motions: Grateful motions include smiling, saying ‘thank you’ or writing letters of grat- itude. Share your appreciation for others!
It is well known that being grateful has many benefits, including:
• Improved mood
• Improved sleep
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Remember, each of us is different. What works for one person may not work for you. Take the time to try different techniques and learn which one(s) work best for you. When you have gratitude practices that you enjoy, it will quickly become a part of your daily or weekly routine.
Final Thoughts
The key to practicing gratitude and being grateful is to never stop trying. Gratitude is powerful because it is something anybody can practice, no matter who you are and where you come from. Gratitude turns little into enough and brings a feeling of con- tentment and satisfaction, which are all forms of happiness.
If life feels overwhelming, talking to a professional can help. They can help you work through your feelings, discov- er healthy ways to cope, and find new ways to be grateful for the wonderful life you have. Bronson HelpNet offers in-person and virtual counseling options – no referral needed. Learn more at bronsonhealth.com/counseling.
• Less chronic pain and reduced risk of disease
• Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms
• Reduced burnout
• More resilient interpersonal
relationships
People who experience gratitude tend to:
• Feel a sense of fulfillment in their
lives
• Appreciate others
• Recognize and enjoy life’s small
pleasures
• Acknowledge the importance of
Talk to a Counselor
experiencing and expressing gratitude
We live in a world of constant change, and sometimes our day-to-day lives can feel overwhelming. At times, it can be hard to find something to be grateful for when we struggle just to survive a normal day. But the good
10 SCENE 4811 I CELEBRATIONS
As we head into the holiday season, the topic of gratitude is one that often arises. As an immigrant, Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite Ameri-
news is that focusing on gratitude is not difficult – it just takes practice.
• Reflect on your relationships: Ask yourself these questions: “What have I received from __?” and “What have I given to __?”
The Importance of Gratitude in Our Lives
How do I practice Gratitude?
• Spend time outside: Nature encour- ages us to slow down and take in the moment. Pay attention to your sur- roundings. Do you notice a tree, leaf, flower, or animal that catches your attention? Think about and feel if you are grateful for discovering it.
There are two key components of practicing gratitude:
1. Affirm the good things I have.
2. Acknowledge the role other people
Gratitude Exercises
• Practice guided meditations: Calm- ing your body and mind can help alleviate the stress and structure of our everyday lives.
Here are some simple ways to prac- tice gratitude. Try to incorporate some of these into your daily routine.
• Make gratitude a daily ritual: Take
• Write a letter: Consider writing
a special note to a relative, friend, neighbor, or even someone you don’t know personally (such as soldiers, healthcare workers, firefighters, police officers and first responders). This is an effortless way to show gratitude for others and will certainly brighten their day.