Counting your blessings can improve your health

Gratitude is a powerful and positive emotion that can benefit your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Practice gratitude to gain these five health benefits:

1. Improves our Mental Health: Expressing gratitude has been linked to a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life and acknowledging the things you're thankful for can help shift your mindset away from negativity and improve your overall mental well-being.
2. Enhances Relationships with Others: Gratitude can strengthen your relationships with others. Expressing appreciation and thankfulness toward people in your life helps foster a sense of connection and deepens your bonds. People generally enjoy being around those who are grateful and appreciative.
3. Makes Us Happier: Gratitude is strongly associated with increased feelings of happiness and life satisfaction. When you take time to recognize and appreciate the good things in your life, you're more likely to experience positive emotions and a greater overall sense of contentment.
4. Reduces Stress: Being thankful and expressing gratitude can help reduce stress, improve blood pressure and even reduce inflammation. When you focus on the positive aspects of your life, it can counterbalance the impact of stressors and make them feel less overwhelming. "Counting your blessings" can lead to improved physical health and help you cope with challenges.
5. Better Physical Health: There is evidence to suggest that practicing gratitude may have positive effects on physical health. It can lead to better sleep quality, reduced blood pressure, and a strengthened immune system. When you're less stressed and more content, your body is better equipped to maintain and improve your health.

Incorporating gratitude into your daily life, such as through journaling, mindfulness exercises, or simply expressing thanks to those around you (and yourself!), can help you experience these and other benefits associated with gratitude.

At Sky Ridge Primary Care in Lone Tree, we strive to provide you and your family with quality medical care. Our internal medicine team partners with patients to develop customized healthcare plans with educational resources and guidance. Our goal is to improve your overall health and well-being.

For more information about our internal medicine services, contact us at (303) 792-5200 or visit HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge Primary Care - Lone Tree.