The Irrefutable Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Improve Your Life
“Is it worth it?”
This is the critical question I ask myself at every decision point in my life. I want to know before I invest my time into doing something, that this ‘something’ is worth my while.
Whether subconscious or not, I suppose we all do it: we ask ourselves whether something is worth doing.
For example: If you wear make-up, at one point or another, you’ve asked yourself whether you are willing to get up and wash your make-up off before you zonk out. Your decision to get up will depend on whether you are concerned (at that moment) about premature aging versus your level of exhaustion.
The benefits of doing laundry, for instance, might outweigh the payoff of procrastination, especially if you are down to the last piece of underwear. (We’ve all been there right?)
RELATED: 8 Reasons to Respond with Thanks EVEN WHEN You Feel Ungrateful
Food as Fuel
One thing that I rarely contemplate whether it is worth it, or not, is eating. I eat when I am feeling hungry. My practice to eat is instinctual: when I am hungry, I eat something. (Doesn't everyone?)
MINDFULNESS: Conscious eating comes in when I don’t just shove whatever is convenient into my mouth – I actually seek food that fuels my body. When I am hungry, I eat something healthy.
I know that if I do not eat, I become a growly bear, a grumpy puss! I feel wicked, irritable and impatient. For me, it's all about balancing blood sugar ... at least, partly. Part of my self-care routine is to properly feed my body. When I don't eat right, I am no fun to be around.
In my college days, I used to grab anything that is around me (chips and soda, anyone?). However, I have learned over the years to make better choices as I often feel worse when I eat junk food. Although my hunger may be temporarily satiated, the junk I consume creates the feeling of emptiness. The empty calories and junk intake into my body result in me feeling malnourished, and the increase of sugar only results in a crash. Growly bear emerges!
To avoid this crazy cycle, I changed my practice. Rather than food being something I can put in my mouth, I decided to see food as something I want to put in my mouth.
I began changing my outlook of food as a filler to food as fuel.
I simply decided that anything I put in my body when I feel starved (starving, famished, starving Marvin) must be something nutritious.
The benefits of eating right and making a conscious choice to pick up something that is nutritiously filling and nourishing to my body improved my life, my attitude, my energy and my body. There is no question about it: eating healthy is totally worth it (especially when I am feeling like Starvin’ Marvin). My practice of eating healthy when I am hungry is no longer a conscious thought: it has become my habit. I no longer grab chips and soda because that is not what feeds me and it is no longer my go to.
I sought out foods that would power my body.
Gratitude Brings On The Good
When it comes to giving thanks, it is always worth it. Make gratitude go beyond practice to being a healthy habit.
Like food for the body, giving thanks is food for the soul. Giving thanks powers my inner world. The practice of thanksgiving has fueled me from the consciousness of want, need and lack, to that of great abundance and possibility.
The practice of giving thanks has irrefutably changed my life for the good.
My gratitude practice has taken me from a place of loss to overflowing abundance. My practice is to faithfully call forth my good so that it arrives in the right and perfect time.
Just as nutritious food fuels my body, gratitude fuels my good. It brings about many benefits that are irrefutable, regardless of the current situation or circumstance in which I find myself.
When determining whether to eat when I am hungry, or whether to give thanks, when I feel ungrateful, I don’t ever question if it is worth it, not anymore. Eating well, and giving thanks improves my life in body, mind, and spirit.
RELATED: The Power With Beginning With Thank You
The art of gratitude requires practice and patience to master. The fabulous and soulful Kamapala Chukwuka has shared her insights with me about her practice of gratitude, and what she has found most useful in embracing thanks.
I present you with insights on mastering the art of gratitude, written by Kamapala Chukwuka below.
I don't know about you all but watching the news has become terrifying for me. If it's not one shooting, it's a murder, it's one natural disaster, it's the global financial crisis, it's Brexit. Honestly, it's almost as if the news is there just to scare. I mean a few happy stories are not too much to ask surely! That said though, watching the news most times helps me put things into perspective. After seeing all that global doom and gloom it's hard not to say a word of thanks! Being alive in itself often feels like a miracle and should be celebrated.
Every day I leave home and come back in one piece, I thank God!
Having a roof over my head
Being generally healthy
Kids happy and healthy
Being able to afford a decent meal
Good health facilities
Good public infrastructure
Nice clothes
Choices
...You know, all the wonderful amazing blessings we enjoy.
I'm sure reading through the above list you'll probably have one or two things to be thankful for too - didn't find anything? How about being grateful for the device you are reading this on 😊
The 7 Benefits of Gratitude
I'm generally someone who practices the art of gratitude - even though it's not always easy because you know - your girl is only human. However, I just came across this article on Forbes that made me think it wasn't just enough to practice gratitude, it was time to Master it - 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round. It's a fascinating read!
According to the article (most points backed by one study or the other),
Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
Gratitude improves physical health
Gratitude improves psychological health.
Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
Grateful people sleep better
Gratitude improves self-esteem.
Gratitude increases mental strength.
Yes please, I'd love to have all of the above, thank you! 😊
After reading this article, I was already sold, then I came across this diagram (happierhuman.com) which really helped drive the point home. The diagram gives a summary of the emotional, social, career, health, personality benefits of gratitude. In essence, it concludes that GRATITUDE is the KEY to HAPPINESS.
Source: HappierHuman.com
Now I understand why the Bible says: IN ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS it's BECAUSE IT'S GOOD FOR OUR HEALTH!
Thanks for reading, wishing you all the best in your quest to master the art of gratitude xxx
About the Author: Kamapala Chukwuka
Kamapala Chukwuka is a proud mum of 2 adorable boys who write about things that inspire her with the hope of inspiring others. She believes in spreading hope, love, happiness, and peace so she encourages, inspires, motivates and helps others. Connect With her on Facebook and Instagram.