As you know, this month is all about gratitude = the quality of being thankful. I’m so grateful to wake up everyday and do something that I love: share fitness & healthy living with people I care about = YOU! I’m also grateful for the opportunity to share my fitness business start up story with SELF Magazine. Woo ho0 – check out my article on self.com!
I’ve found that practicing acts of gratitude makes me a happier person. In fact, studies from University of California Berkeley show that grateful people are less resentful, more optimistic and healthier than their ungrateful counterparts. Also, physically expressing gratitude generates a greater happiness return than simply feeling appreciation. So just in time for Thanksgiving, here are five acts of gratitude to ensure you have the happiest holiday!
- Savor the Small Stuff – Whether it’s your morning cup of coffee or hot shower after a long day, take a moment to be present and acknowledge your little luxury.
- Say Thank You – Actually pick up phone, call someone and tell him or her how much they mean to you. Not only with they feel wonderful, but you will too.
- Love Your Body – Go for a sweat session at your favorite fitness studio. Afterwards thank your body for its physical fitness.
- Be One With Nature – Step outside and look around. Appreciating nature’s beauty can quickly lift your spirits.
- Acknowledge Your Accomplishments – Make a list of three personal accomplishments and thank yourself for your dedication and commitment. We often express gratitude to others, but it’s equally important to appreciate ourselves.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to not only feel thankful but to also express your gratitude!
5 Comments
Keeping a regular journal is also a great way to practice gratitude, among other benefits. Another method that could resonate with other entrepreneurs (like yourself) is to keep a ‘done’ list, as an alternative (or compliment) to a ‘to do’ list. Seeing what you’ve actually accomplished throughout the day can be much more satisfying that seeing what you still have left to do.
I completely agree! It also takes discipline to journal regularly…I need to work on that 🙂
I love my body for doing something, anything even when I’m sick.
Same here – always lifts my spirits! Happy Thanksgiving!