Every year, we enjoy Thanksgiving celebrations in our own unique and festive ways. No matter the celebration, we often are reminded that Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, to be thankful for all of life’s blessings both big and small, and to reflect on the good surrounding us. But just as there is excitement for the day’s bounty of food, family, and friends, sometimes the holiday may also come with feelings of anxiety or depression.
As you take stock of the good things in your life, it’s beneficial to understand why being thankful is so important for your physical and mental health, as well as where to turn if you need a little extra help.
Gratitude: a Whole-Body Experience
It’s no secret that our minds naturally navigate toward negative thoughts. We worry about what can go wrong, what someone thinks of us, how many bills are stacking up this month, and all the “what ifs.” In turn, these worries lower levels of “feel-good” hormones associated with happiness like dopamine and serotonin, which then lead to feelings of anxiety and/or depression. Over time, that drop in hormones can cause long-lasting negative effects on one’s mental well-being.
The practice of giving, on the other hand, gives us those “warm and fuzzy” feelings. This is our brain’s reaction to gratitude. Neurologically speaking, thankfulness activates parts of the brain associated with reward and positive emotions, triggering the release of neurotransmitters, dopamine, and serotonin. Moreover, continuously experiencing gratitude can increase activity of the hypothalamus, which is vital for essential daily functions like eating and sleeping. All in all, proving that gratitude is a powerful emotion that truly improves our mood from the inside out.
Thanksgiving is a great reminder to practice gratitude, but such studies show that it should be a year-long exercise in order to benefit from long-term feelings of happiness. By regularly practicing gratitude, you are helping your brain strengthen neural networks while training yourself to navigate toward positive thoughts rather than negative, as well as inspiring change in those around you.
Gratitude: Uniting Our Communities
Success and failure, joy and sorrow, gratification and frustration, these are all part of our everyday lives. For those struggling with mood or anxiety disorders, it can be easy to focus only on what’s going wrong, and isolate ourselves when we can’t see the good – and those we care about may exhibit the same symptoms as they struggle with their mental health.
That’s why Thanksgiving is the perfect time to think about community. This time of year invites us to reflect on the value those around us bring into our lives, and to show our gratitude through action. Mentoring a young adult, providing a listening ear to someone who needs advice, shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor, giving a coworker a ride home, or simply offering a greeting and a smile – donating your time and attention shows others that you value them and, in turn, gives them reasons to be grateful.
Gratitude inspires kindness within ourselves and others, not only strengthening existing connections amongst friends and neighbors, but also inspiring hope in strangers who may be in need of support and encouraging them to pay it forward. When an entire community of people are able to see and practice gratitude, they are more likely to take action all year long to make the world a better place not just for themselves but for others around them.
Gratitude: an Intentional Effort
By staying focused on the positive this Thanksgiving, you can weed out the negative emotions and reaffirm everything you have to be thankful for. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Make a Plan
You don’t have to do it all alone! Plan out your meal, travel arrangements, cleaning schedule, and any other holiday tasks. Then, delegate as needed to share the responsibilities and make time for yourself.
Don’t Worry about Imperfections
There’s no such thing as perfect, and striving for it can cause unnecessary stress. Allow yourself to laugh at the mishaps and embrace the authenticity of imperfection as you spend time with loved ones.
Take Moments for Yourself
When you need a break, don’t be afraid to take a walk, step into another room, go for a drive, or decompress with a few minutes of internet scrolling.
Seek Support
If you need a helping hand this holiday season, don’t hesitate to ask. That may be a close friend or trusted family member, or a mental health professional. For outside support, Mindful Health Solutions is here for you.
We encourage you to savor the big and small moments that bring you joy this Thanksgiving, reflect on the value you bring to the world, and pay tribute to others by practicing gratitude. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving!
