Often times, when we're feeling low, we tend to disregard all the good things in life. It's natural. It doesn't make you any less human. It's okay to vent, to want to scream, to cry - all of those feelings are valid.
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"But you have so much to be grateful for!"
Hearing that statement, especially in difficult times, may lower your spirits even more. However, we must recognize that there is a bit of truth in it. During this quarantine, there are two types of people: those who dream of being in bed all day, every day, and those who can't bear the thought of spending another day in the house. So this is the time we must learn about the practice of gratitude. I say "practice" because gratitude doesn't always come naturally; we must train the heart and the mind.
What do feelings of gratitude do?
They can help strengthen the immune system
They can help with feelings of loneliness
They can increase feelings of compassion
They help with depression, stress, and anxiety
The NPR, or National Public Radio, posted an article about the link between gratitude and physical health. In one study, participants who suffered from heart damage answered a few questions about how grateful they were for certain aspects of their lives, and when blood tests were performed afterward inflammation had decreased.
How to practice gratitude?
The practice of gratitude is subjective. Everyone has a different way of showing thanks. Here are some examples of things you can try to get started:
Wake up and write down 3 things you are grateful for that day
Think of a person who makes you laugh the most and send them a text message expressing how you feel
Play a song that makes you happy, sit still, and listen to it for a few minutes
Pick one of your senses and pay close attention to it for a whole day, then express your gratitude for it out loud or on paper
Sending thanks
Today, we celebrate National Nurses Day in the U.S., and now more than ever, we, at Beurer, would like to express our gratitude for all of the nurses who risk their lives today and every day.
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