Thanksgiving: Hashtag blessed

This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is for expressing gratitude, and though it can be difficult to remember at times, as Haligonian Canadians we have a lot to be grateful for.

Listen up, turkeys.

It’s been a rough couple of years, globally. I think everyone knows we all have work to do, internally and externally, to make the world a better place for all its inhabitants. Expressing gratitude daily, instead of just at Thanksgiving, is something we could all benefit from.

Gratitude makes people happier

As silly as it may sound, practicing gratitude through reflective journaling for just five minutes a day has been proven to increase long-term well being.

By ten per cent, actually, which is comparable to the health benefits of doubling your income. Practicing gratitude also improves physical & mental health, relationships, personalities, and careers. A gift you can’t afford not to give yourself!

People love the grateful

Consider Oprah Winfrey, if you will! Gratitude begets social capital and makes people kinder, more trusting, more social, and more appreciative. The healthy self-esteem boost from practicing gratitude is a magnet that draws others into your orbit.

Gratitude leads to wellness

While not a catch-all solution to holistic health, studies support claims that keeping a gratitude journal has a myriad of benefits to overall wellness. Participants reported better sleep quality, reduced mental health symptoms, and higher time spent exercising. As well as less physical pain than before they had begun practicing gratitude.

3 easy, free ways to practice gratitude

Getting your zen on is super trendy right now, but there’s no need to break the bank on Himalayan salt lamps or throw rugs before starting your gratitude practice! The only prerequisite is an open, willing heart.

1. DIY Gratitude Journal.  A DIY gratitude journal can be as basic as a blank notebook or as blinged out as Elle Woods’ agenda with the same results: improved wellbeing. Inspiration can be found on Google, as well as this handy dandy blog we came across in our research!
2. Meditation App.  Insight Timer is a TeamClinton favourite as it ranks well across a variety of categories. Free, diverse, and with the ability to personalize, a meditation app like Insight Timer can go a long way towards improving mindfulness and gratitude.
3. Internet Yoga. If you’re more inclined to get down with your bad bougie self at a local studio, you do you! Anyone interested in starting their practice more privately and financially savvy, however, would be wise to check out Yoga With Adrienne, a great introduction, and intermediate yoga series.

Have more questions? Feel free to contact us!