Giving a gift doesn't have to cost you a thing and what I am going to suggest, may end up being the best gift you ever give.
As we approach the holiday season and the end of the year, I tend to get reflective by taking stock and counting my many blessings.
First off, I want to let you know how thankful I am for YOU, your support, and your trust in me to help you with your wellness needs.
I am able to wake up and do what I LOVE every single day and I’m truly grateful.
This got me thinking a lot about gratitude and how and when we express it. Having learnt about the positive benefits of gratitude journaling, I wanted to take this a little bit further with you today.
Did you know that expressing gratitude is physically good for you? Studies show it improves both your mood AND your mental health.
More specifically, a study reported by the Greater Good Science Center found that writing thank you letters can have a positive impact that lasts at least 3 months.
In fact, something as simple as the act of writing a “gratitude card” can make a surprisingly big difference in your life.
Is there someone in your life you could do this for?
This fun and heartfelt activity will instantly make you feel good and do the same for someone else.
Researchers found that people who wrote gratitude letters reported better mental health (better mood, less anxiety/depression) both 1 month AND 3 months afterwards, than those who wrote about negative experiences or didn’t write anything at all.
This can even have lasting effects on your brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is the area associated with learning and decision making.
So how about giving it a try and writing one (or five) gratitude cards this week to someone you care about?!
Is there anyone that you’d like to thank? Think back over the past year, who has been there for you, who has gone out of their way to help you or simply showed you kindness? Is there someone you want to let know that you’re thinking about them and wish them well?
It could be a family member, friend, teacher, a mentor or a neighbour, former boss or colleague.
To make this even more special, send them your gratitude card IN THE post. Imagine their surprise receiving this unexpected card or letter in the post, out of the blue! It makes me just smile thinking about it.
Saying thank you costs you nothing but to the receiver, it is priceless.
Are you up for this little gratitude mini-challenge?! I really hope so, let me know.
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