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The Power of Gratitude

The Power Of Gratitude

By Lisa Shanken
November 4, 2021

Did you know being grateful can actually benefit your mental and physical health? It’s true! The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. According to Harvard University’s psychology researchers, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami ran an interesting experiment to understand the power of gratitude. In this study, during a 10 week period, one group was asked to write a few sentences each week about things that happened during that week and why they felt grateful for them. A second group wrote down things that annoyed them each week, and the third group just wrote down things that happened each week without attaching any emotions to these events. Aside from feeling happier and more positive, after 10 weeks, the group that wrote about their gratitude each week also exercised more and had fewer doctor visits than the other two groups.

Focusing on gratitude also tends to help people stay in the present moment more, therefore reducing anxiety about the future or feeling depressed about something in the past. Philosophers have often said gratitude can lead to other emotions. For example, appreciating someone can lead to a more meaningful relationship, appreciating your work can lead to being more productive, and appreciating the things you already have can give you more satisfaction and save you money on material spending.

I am always most interested in the implementation of new habits, so the next question to ask yourself is, how can we cultivate gratitude? How can we appreciate what we have, even if we feel sad, anxious, or down? It might seem like a conundrum since cultivating gratitude may help those depressing feelings, yet it is hard to cultivate them when feeling down. So follow along, and try these tips to raise your positive vibration and improve your physical health!

  1. Write a thank you note to someone and express the things you are thankful to them about.
  2. Keep a gratitude journal about the things you are grateful for each day or each week.
  3. Visualize for 3-5 minutes per day about things you feel lucky to have in your life.
  4. Have a “no complaints” day each week. It is a great way to realize just how much you have to be grateful for, plus it can help stop negative thinking.
  5. Find a silver lining in at least 3 situations per week. For anything not going the way you want it to go, look for the positive. Something positive usually exists if you seek it out.
  6. Clean out a closet and find things you forgot about but love to renew your appreciation for the things you already have.

Personally, tip # 3, visualizing 3-5 minutes per day, is my go to habit for my daily gratitude practice. I do it each morning (closer to 3 minutes than 5 minutes for full disclosure), and it helps me start my day with a smile. Try all of the above tips and see what resonates most for you. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like support or help creating new healthy habits!

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Lisa Shanken

My passion is to help you live your healthiest and most harmonious life, but in a way that’s realistic and practical for you as a unique individual on this planet. My philosophy is all about “balance,” never a diet since a diet is not sustainable for life, aka Kill The Diet.

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Testimonials

Lisa’s weight loss plan really gave me a new insight to healthy eating and living. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2015. Healthy living/easting/exercise has become very important to me and my family and this program really helped me get even more on the course with this and helped me lose weight.

Danielle D, Great Neck, NY

When I heard about the 10 Day Weight Loss Challenge, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit, since as a physician, I understand nutrition and health (and therefore knew the dangers of fad diets, etc…), and I do my best to exercise (though not always enough). But as a single mother of 2, it’s still very challenging ti “fit in all in” (including cooking healthy meals for my children) due to my busy schedule. And when my time is short, bad habits crop up and weight gain follows.

Dr. Gila Ackerman, Boulder, CO

Psychiatrist
Lisa has made an enormous contribution to my health and strength. I have seen and felt the most fantastic changes in an amazingly short time.

Chessie F, Boulder, CO

I just wanted to say you were amazing through this 10 day process! I learned so much from you! You were very thorough in all areas of the challenge and got back to us in such a quick manner with our questions. It was a great jump start into a more healthy life style that’s for sure!

Colby E, Boulder, Colorado

I LOVE the recipes, simple, few ingredients, appealing. I like the idea of using the list of staples you provided when i was tempted to cheat!

Phyliss S, Spring House, PA

I worked with Lisa to develop a holistic wellness plan that has allowed personal growth without having to completely change my lifestyle. Her programs are designed around your personal needs, so I always feel like I've gotten the most from my sessions and leave with manageable goals. Lisa's three-prong approach to wellness (fitness, nutrition and health) is helping me live a balanced and grateful life.

Ali S., Boulder, CO

I’ve been through the ringer with different dieting plans through the years. Some helped me lose weight and some didn’t – but it didn’t matter because I would always gain it back. I didn’t know if this 10 day Weight Loss Challenge would be the answer since everyone says they have the “BEST” way to lose weight. But this one seemed to be more doable – like instead of starving myself, keeping track of calories (“been there done that – VERY annoying!”) and things I know I wouldn’t stick to.

Jill W, Park, NY

Lisa, you have been a very positive role model for me! Through the exercise and diet I’m becoming healthy and more positive about my life!!! Thanks!

Melissa B, Boulder, Colorado

Blog Articles

Spring Cleansing

Spring Cleansing

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Supporting Things Close To Your Heart

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Gluten Free

How to Easily Transition To A Gluten Free Diet

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