This Routine Will Help Improve Your Mood & Your Relationship

Gratitude is important because it can benefit our mind, body and relationships! Dr. Robert A. Emmons, professor and leading scientific expert on the science of gratitude says, “The practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects in a person’s life”. His research has shown that a daily gratitude practice helps to reduce cortisol, a stress hormone produced by your body that induces a “fight-or-flight” response. Cortisol helps us to survive in times of disaster or trauma; however, in every day life, too much cortisol production disrupts sleep, increases blood pressure, negatively impacts mood and reduces our energy levels. In one study, active gratitude practice was related to 23% percent lower cortisol levels. It also reduced blood pressure and helped with sleep. The phrase is true: one ounce of gratitude really is worth a pound of cure!

We don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving we can start practicing gratitude every day!

 1.     Learn about the Scientific History of gratitude: Amazing Effects of Gratitude (Video)

2.     Start Small- Write down 3 things that went well each day and why. Take a minute to reflect.

3.     Begin to your spouse and others in your life how you feel and what they mean to you. You don't have to be mushy or over-the-top. But if you say what you feel in the right tone at the right moment, even a simple, "Thanks honey, good dinner. " means a lot.  You can send EGreetings or homemade cards to say Thank You to those who are far away.

What are you grateful for in your life? Take a moment, slow down, and think of what are thankful for even during this on-going pandemic. I’d love to hear what you come up with!