AS WE ENTER A NEW MONTH and begin the holiday season many of us will take time to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on the many blessings in our day-to-day life.
Research shows that a daily practice of gratitude can elevate our energy levels, increase positive feelings and help us feel more connected to one another and spirit.
Why wait for one day a year to practice Thanksgiving? This month set an intention to start your day with one thing you are thankful for and keep this practice going all month long!
In the stresses of day-to-day life it is so easy to become overwhelmed with daily tasks and responsibilities. You may find that as soon as you start your day you begin to run your to do list and find yourself feeling unsettled and anxious. This can make your body fuel a stress response causing your heart rate to increase and your body to go into fight or flight mode.
Simply shifting your daily intention to begin the day with an attitude of gratitude will immediately increase feelings of calmness and peace of mind.
Another trick to keeping yourself centered and calm as you begin each new day is to speak gently and kindly to yourself-out loud! While this may sound odd when you speak out loud to yourself about how you will begin your day you stop your mind from getting on the run-away anxiety train of impending doom!
My 3-year-old will often ask me who I am talking to as I stand in the kitchen and slowly list out loud each task to be done. It helps me stay focused, calm and get things done in an efficient way instead of running around frantically full of anxiety.
“I am going to put this load of laundry in and then empty the dishwasher, now I’m going to warm up my coffee and take a minute to reflect on the beauty of the day.” You will be amazed how speaking out loud can add a sense of control and peace to what may feel like an overwhelming day.
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is an easy way to keep yourself feeling healthy emotionally, physically and spiritually. You don’t have to spend hours doing gratitude affirmations, reading a self-help book or journaling ten things you are thankful for. Simply start each day with a purposeful dialogue (out loud), going over what you have to accomplish in the present moment and one thing you appreciate.
The key to living everyday life with intention and purpose is to make it simple to practice cultivating spirituality. Don’t wait for holidays to practice thanksgiving, start this month with a new practice and a new attitude.
YOU ARE WORTH IT!
Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information visit changeyourstoryllc.com.
