I felt like a hamster on a wheel after running around all day trying to get everything done on my to-do list. Do you ever have those “hamster on a wheel ” days? A sense of gratitude can help you. In fact, there are at least 6 powerful health benefits of gratitude, especially on busy days.
At the end of each day, and especially after crazy days, I come home to relax. The book of Deuteronomy mentions this time of day in chapter 11, verses 18-20.
“You shall impress these words of mine on your hearts and on your soul;” . . . “And you shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk along the road, and when you lie down and rise up.”
“When you sit in your house, and when you lie down.” This is a perfect time to reflect on God’s gifts to us. Just in our evening routines alone, we have so much to be thankful for. Gratitude is good. Gratitude helps us relax. Gratitude pleases God.
Skeptical about the health benefits of gratitude?
Gratitude helps us relax. Some readers may be skeptical about this statement. If you are one of them, consider this.
I remember as a young teenager being skeptical about some of the things my parents told me. Several years later, my dad and mom seemed wiser when I heard the same words from other adults.
Don’t be late to the party – Science confirms the health benefits of gratitude
The Bible has been telling us for centuries that we need to practice gratitude. Modern science has finally arrived at the party. Here are some of the health benefits of gratitude:
- fewer trips to the doctor
- improved sleep quality
- improved mood
- reduced anxiety
- less fatigue.
- improved interpersonal relationships
Gratitude, hormones. and memories
Each time we express our gratitude, the brain releases dopamine which is a pleasure hormone. Just the simple act of writing our gratitude has lasting effects for up to three months as we re-read it and think about it again and again. (Positive Psychology)
So what is the best way to jumpstart a lifestyle of gratitude? Volunteers kept a gratitude journal in the scientific studies cited above.
A gift of gratitude for you
I would like to give you the following journal pages to use every day, and especially if you have had a “hamster on a wheel” day. No email required.
These journal pages are designed to use with a three-ring binder. To download, simply click on one of the photos below. Here’s to gratitude!
If you are looking for scripture cards or coloring pages, see the resource page. You will also find bookmarks, as well as books and music recommendations.
References
If you are interested in reading the articles related to the health benefits of gratitude, they are listed below.
- The University of California at Davis
- Harvard University
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
- Chopra Foundation
