Improve your daily life by the simple act of appreciating the small things
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hassles of day-to-day life; we all know this. But when was the last time you stopped to reflect on how much you have and how grateful you are for your life? My guess is that if you are reading this paper, either in print here in Playa del Carmen, or online from wherever you happen to be, you have led a life more fortunate than most in this world. The benefits of gratitude are plentiful, and whatever your situation, it’s easy to start appreciating even the smallest things in life.
Gratitude boosts your well-being and psychological health
The daily practice of listing the things you are grateful for can give you a sense of positivity. The advantages are most pronounced when compared to those who focus on hassles or complaints. A practice of gratitude has been shown to reduce the stressful emotions of envy, resentment, frustration and regret; it effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
Gratitude improves your self-esteem and mental strength
Being grateful for everything you have also has the effect of allowing you to appreciate others’ accomplishments instead of comparing them to your own. In the event of trauma or loss, those who practice gratitude have higher resilience and recover more quickly.
Gratitude enhances your physical strength and encourages better sleep
Being grateful reduces the occurrence of aches and pains and, not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take better care of their health and exercise more. Spending 15 minutes a day on a ‘Gratitude Journal’ before bedtime can encourage longer and better sleep.
Next time you catch yourself complaining or grumbling about something, try and turn that thought around. In comparison to those much less fortunate, could you potentially say this instead?, “Aren’t I lucky to have this as a problem!”
Sara Jones
Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant and Founder of Spa & Wellness Mexico magazine www.spawellnessmexico.com
