It's the season to be thankful

November is the month of gratitude!  In America the celebration of Thanksgiving gives everyone an opportunity to reflect on all the good things in their lives and express gratitude for it.

But gratitude is more than just a sentiment, a temporary emotion, it has the power to dramatically improve our mental health and wellbeing.

When we give thanks for something or someone it brings us a sense of happiness and awareness of something positive in our lives.  It can deepen relationships, lighten our mood and build our resilience for when we face more challenging times.

Gratitude can also have a positive effect on our physical health.  Research has shown that when we give thanks, we feel happier. We feel less stressed and are more likely to sleep well.  This then improves our immune system, making us less likely to catch a cold!

Gratitude has the power to radically change the way we feel and it’s free.  In the Bible Paul says ‘give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you.’  (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

It might seem hard to consider being thankful when you are having a really bad day, but Paul was on to something here.  When we are thankful, we turn our attention away from ourselves and Christians will turn towards God who is the giver of all good things in our lives.

‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’  (1 Timothy 1:17)

Being thankful is how many Christians will begin their prayer time with God.  By giving thanks to Him for all things it allows us to shift our attention from ourselves and remember how good and powerful He is. 

Gratitude takes our minds of the present and gives our brains a break from worry and anxiety.  Did you know it is impossible to be thankful and anxious at the same time? The parts of our brain that are responsible for these processes cannot function at the same time. 

Building a thankfulness routine into our days can be an excellent way of boosting our wellbeing and mental health.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

·       Start a gratitude journal.  Spend 5 minutes each day writing down what you are thankful for-even if just for a great cup of coffee!

·       Struggling with anxiety? Sit or stand, look your hands and count of 5 things (one for each finger and thumb) that you are thankful for.

·       Give thanks. Let someone know how much you appreciate them by sending a message, writing a card or giving them a call.

·       Talk to God and thank Him for loving you and blessing you.