thanksgiving

“The more we practice gratefulness, the more grateful we become.” Andrew Bienkowski

If you lived in a prison camp in Siberia with hardly enough food to survive and terribly cold conditions, do you think you could still find something for which to be thankful? And after two years, if you were able to leave Siberia, do you think you could look back and say that you’re thankful for the life lessons you learned while you were there? Andrew Bienkowski lived through that, and his answer is yes to both scenarios. He actually credits gratitude with helping him and his family through that difficult period.

Positive psychology confirms that gratitude turns our focus from our burdens to our blessings. Neuroscience demonstrates that when we practice giving or receiving expressions of gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that are responsible for happiness. They immediately lift our mood and make us feel “good.” Gratitude also happens to boost our immune system and reduce anxiety.

With so many benefits of gratitude, it seems like a no-brainer to want to make it a habit. Here are a few different ways to practice it.

Write a note of thanks to someone who you appreciate.

Keep a daily gratitude journal.

Make a Gratitude Tree https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/new-thanksgiving-tradition-gratitude-tree