The Heart of Gratitude
There’s good news to share about gratitude. Studies show that people who are more grateful have lower blood pressure and lower levels of inflammation. That’s a plus for your heart and cardiovascular system! We looked to the experts at the American Heart Association (AHA) to share a few ways that giving thanks has a healthy impact on your body.
Better Self-Care
Did you know: According to experts at the AHA, those who regularly practice gratitude tend to be more consistent with exercising, eating well and taking medications. Appreciating and giving thanks for the many positives in your life has a long list of benefits.
Improved Sleep
A good night’s sleep is something to be grateful for, and, surprisingly, being grateful in general can help you get better sleep. Practicing gratitude can help you fall asleep more quickly, sleep longer, have better sleep quality, and stay awake during the day. Experts believe grateful people sleep better because they have fewer negative thoughts and more positive ones at bedtime.
More Resilience
We know that one of the keys to overall health is managing stress—and gratefulness is an important part of tackling this challenge. As Dr. Katherine Sanchez shared with us, “Managing stress is a journey. Some days will be better than others. Be kind to yourself along the way.”
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.