The air is cooler. The leaves are changing from green to yellow and deep red. Our thoughts are turning to sweaters, boots and everything pumpkin spice. But that’s not the only thing special about this time of year. November is the month when we focus on gratitude—our celebration of Thanksgiving.
And while it may be more front of mind in November, there’s a reason to focus on gratitude all throughout the year—because it’s actually good for us!
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Being Grateful is Good For You |
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Research shows that by simply noticing the gifts we have in our lives and giving thanks for them, we’ll be more peaceful and joyful. Practicing gratitude can lead to profound improvements in our physical, emotional and mental health according to the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, such as:
- Better sleep
- Strengthened immune system
- Fewer colds and respiratory infections
- Better digestion
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased social bonding and strengthened social ties
Gratitude literally rewires the brain, leading us to adopt behavioral changes and take better care of ourselves, like improving our diet and embracing regular exercise. This leads to lowered stress levels and improved immune response and overall better health.
Expressing gratitude can be inward—reflecting on the things we’re thankful for—or outward, for example, writing a thank you note to someone or thanking a stranger for holding the elevator for you.
On the heels of nearly two years of dealing with COVID-19, some of us may wonder how it is possible to find anything to be grateful for in such challenging times. In reality, these difficulties may cause us to reflect and focus on those things we may have taken for granted—creating a renewed sense of gratitude and resilience to get us through those tough times.
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Building a Gratitude Practice |
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Beginning a gratitude practice doesn’t have to be expensive or take a lot of time. You can:
- Keep a gratitude journal. Make it a habit before you go to bed of writing down 3-5 things you’re grateful for that day. That first cup of coffee in the morning. The sunrise. A great conversation with your spouse. Completing that project. Snuggling with your dog. You get the idea…
- Meditate. Take a few minutes each day to close your eyes and think about things that make you happy, grateful or brings you joy. This will infuse your body and mind with positive feelings that you can carry forward into your day.
- Write thank-you notes. This can be text, email or old-school pen and paper with a stamp. Pick someone in your life—family member, friend, colleague—and write them a note thanking them for their kindness, their hard work on a project, their presence in your life. The bonus? They’ll get a lift, and you will, too!
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Most of us can call to mind hours of cooking for a big family Thanksgiving. Everyone is called to the table. Food is passed. Plates are filled. Five silent minutes later, the table is empty and the family is back to watching football. Is there anything we can do to slow down and enjoy the meal and the time together? Absolutely! Just like we can express gratitude for people and things in our lives, we can also incorporate gratitude for our food into our daily lives.
Some ideas:
- Say grace or give thanks before a meal. Whether you actively practice religion or have a spiritual tradition, giving thanks for your food and acknowledging all the hands (the turkey, the farmer, the grocer, mom, etc.) who played a part in bringing your meal to the table can be a powerful gratitude builder. Or, share with your family why you’re especially grateful and have everyone share their own thoughts with each other.
- Mindful eating. Instead of shoveling food in the minute you sit down, take a pause. Admire the colors and textures of food on your plate. Savor the aromas. Take a small bite of food and chew slowly, really tasting it. Talk to each other, leaving your devices off and away from the table. Take the time to connect with your food and with each other. You’ll leave the table feeling refreshed and nourished physically and emotionally.
The important thing to remember is there’s no one right way to “do gratitude.” Try these suggestions or incorporate some of your own. But don’t wait for Thanksgiving—start today and reap all the benefits of bringing more gratitude into your life.
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Here’s a recipe for Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon that is sure to raise your gratitude level this Thanksgiving. |
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon |
Makes 4 Servings
4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling on potatoes after cooked
¼ cup honey
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Lay the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a roasting tray lined with parchment paper for easy clean up.
Drizzle the oil, honey, cinnamon, salt and pepper over the potatoes
Roast for 25 – 30 minutes, until tender
Drizzle with olive oil, and serve!
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Cyber Monday Sale!
From November 29-December 1, you’ll enjoy a 20% discount on your entire Fullscript order. It’s easy! Login to your existing account or create a new one. Place your order—the discount is automatically applied!
Shop our store for all your healthcare needs. It’s the perfect opportunity to take care of your health, get ready for the holidays, and save a little, too.
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I’m grateful for your continued support over these last two years. It’s because of your loyalty that I’m still here, able to provide you with personalized services to allow you to experience good health and wellness. Wishing you and your families the best and most joyous Thanksgiving. |
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be sure to follow nature's balance on |
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JANINE JOZWIAK, MS. LAc.
820 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Suite 101
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815.788.8383
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We’re here to help support you on your journey to optimizing your health!
Nature’s Balance Acupuncture practitioners are licensed and credentialed with many years of experience and success stories. Their focus on whole health wellness allows them to get at the root of your health issues. Book an appointment with Janine Jozwiak, Licensed Acupuncturist and Owner, to learn how she can help you.
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