Appreciation is a powerful emotion that can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that individuals who practice gratitude and appreciation regularly experience a range of benefits, including improved sleep, reduced stress levels, and stronger immune systems. Pretty cool, right?!?

Stress

One of the key ways that appreciation impacts health is by reducing stress. We live in a "microwave culture" that wants everything now. When we focus on the things we are grateful for now (versus what we don't have!), we shift our attention away from the negative aspects of our lives, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. This can lead to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, which is linked to a range of health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Sleep

In addition to reducing stress, appreciation can also help to improve our sleep quality. When we take the time to reflect on the positive things in our lives, we experience a sense of calm and contentment that can carry over into our sleep. Studies have shown that individuals who practice gratitude regularly have better sleep quality and are less likely to experience sleep disturbances.

Immune System

Another way that appreciation impacts health is by strengthening our immune systems. When we experience positive emotions such as gratitude, our bodies produce more of the hormone oxytocin, which has been shown to boost the immune system. This can help to protect us against a range of illnesses and diseases, including the common cold and flu.

Mental health

Finally, appreciation can also have a positive impact on our mental health. When we focus on the things we are grateful for, we experience a sense of joy and contentment that can help to improve our overall mood. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with depression or anxiety.

Soooo you might be wondering, "Heather, this all sounds great...but how do I make this work for me?"

No worries! Here are 5 ways a busy mama could incorporate more appreciation into her day:

Take a few minutes each morning to write down or think about what you are grateful for.
When feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a deep breath and focus on something positive to appreciate.
Express gratitude towards your loved ones each day by saying "thank you" or writing them a note of appreciation.
Take a break from multitasking and enjoy a moment of mindfulness, appreciating the present moment.
Start a gratitude jar or board where you can write down things you are thankful for and add to it throughout the day.

Just find ONE that resonates most with you and add this tiny moment of gratitude into your day. Don't overthink it!

GET EVEN HEALTHIER!

Appreciation is a powerful emotion that can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. By practicing gratitude regularly, we can reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, boost our immune systems, and enhance our mental health.

Do you wish you had someone to tell you a practical next step to improve your health and experience all the benefits gratitude can bring? Let's chat! Schedule a free Breakthrough Session with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about!

ABOUT ME

I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than 100 dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle strategies. I’ve made it my personal mission to help busy mamas take the overwhelm out of making healthy choices and fall in love with their bodies again. It's time to make health simple!