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November is National Gratitude Month, a time to celebrate and give thanks. Though the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, nearly 400 years had passed before Ms. Stacey Grewal, an author and spiritual coach, submitted a request in August of 2015 to make November National Gratitude Month. Her request was approved in September, and the following November the first ever National Gratitude Month was honored.
Gratitude is not a new concept. It is a moment to reflect on that for which we are grateful, is an important way for people to feel satisfaction with themselves and their current state, rather than dissatisfaction with what they don’t have.
This kind of reflection and giving of thanks are also powerful strategies to boosting self-wellness. Harvard Medical School highlights the findings of studies that show the power of gratitude. “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”
A little gratitude can do wonders for your mood. When you practice gratitude, you shift your thoughts away from negative emotions and uncomfortable sensations. Instead, you begin to focus on good things that you may have overlooked.
This kind of thinking leads to a release of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals in the brain that are associated with happiness and pleasure. Acknowledging gratitude also decreases stress hormones. The short-term result is a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood. In the long-term, regularly practicing gratitude may also lead to lasting changes in your brain, priming you to be more grateful going forward.
For more information about National Gratitude Month, please click the link below.
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