Being grateful should not be an alien concept for most people who read this blog. The people who I teach always thank me at the end of a class whether they are online at the other end of a device or in one of my in-person sessions. They are always super-polite but how often do you thank yourself or to dig deeper to find what else you may be grateful for?
Gratitude practice does not come easily to everyone, which is why I have made it a regular part of my Pilates classes. It may be that my clients do not quite get the hang of it at first but when you start to open yourself up to the possibilities of gratitude then it starts to become easier…and it will make you feel better too.
Research has shown that more grateful people are happier and healthier, and enjoy emotional, social, personality, career and health benefits. Some quick examples: If you take the time to be grateful then you will become more positive; if you express gratitude in relationships, they will improve, and you will attract more people, i.e. friends, who want to connect with you; lastly, in the work environment, people will want to work harder with you if you stop to say thank you from time to time!
Seems too easy but it really can be a sea-change moment for people who have not taken the time for gratitude. So many of us will flippantly acknowledge that we are grateful for our health, family, etc. if asked, but really try thinking about it and breaking it down into smaller chunks of thankfulness.
For me, I am grateful that I have a wonderful partner who makes me feel so supported and loved. I am grateful that I have two gorgeous sons who have come through their teenage years and are heading into adulthood. I am grateful to my strong body for allowing me to teach my classes. I am grateful for my lovely neighbours who stop for a chat. I am grateful for my dog for always being happy to see me. The list really can be endless.
I feel that the harder elements to be thankful for are our own attributes. I think it is helpful to find small things or parts of us if you are struggling. For instance: “I am grateful for my legs that allow me to dance,” “I am grateful for the sunshine that warms my skins,” “I am grateful to my lungs for enabling me to breathe in the sea air,” and so on. We can all find something to be grateful for.
Some people choose to write down what they are thankful for in a gratitude journal, but I just add it into a class to give people time and space to think therefore helping to improve their wellbeing.
Here’s the science: Studies have shown being thankful is good for your heart as a weekly gratitude practice can significantly decrease blood pressure*, while two weeks of regular gratitude practice can also improve sleep.** People who practice gratitude regularly are also more likely to exercise*** and grateful people are more likely to enjoy overall better health!****
I feel this is a trick that too many people are missing out on. I often post about what I am grateful for on social media. Other people may be wondering what I am going on about, but there is a method to my madness! If you are not comfortable sharing your gratitude and cannot be bothered with a journal, try writing each blessing on a piece of paper and pop them in a jar. Wait a year and then have a lovely read of everything positive you have experienced in the last 12 months.
Or join me at one of my Pilates classes and take the time offered to you for gratitude. It is a healthy habit to get into. Thank you for reading.