This is a season where we typically gather, eat together and express our gratitude for family, friends and all the blessings in our lives. I do hope your Thanksgiving is enjoyable and full of gratitude.
Gratitude is in and of itself very regulating and impactful to our mental and physical health. Science and research have shown us the benefits of gratitude to our bodies and our brains. Practicing gratitude shifts our attention away from threat and towards safety and sufficiency. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress hormones like cortisol, lowering anxiety, instilling emotional stability and improving stress recovery.
Not only does gratitude create emotional stability, it also improves our sleep quality, strengthens our immune system and supports heart health. It reduces blood pressure, lowers inflammatory processes associated with heart disease and improves heart rate variability. Some cardiac patients who practiced gratitude journaling showed better recovery indicators.
Even in the brain, gratitude strengthens neural pathways associated with optimism, coping and general equilibrium. It reduces negative symptoms like depression and anxiety by shifting our focus towards what is working in life.
In the relational aspects of life, gratitude increases empathy, reduces conflict and enhances a sense of belonging all of which improves mental health. Obviously, these attributes are key to positive and healthy relationships.
There have even been some studies that have shown that patients who practice gratitude experience fewer pain symptoms, better moods and increase in their ability to function. Gratitude practiced on a regular basis reduces stress physiology which leads to so many physical benefits.
If you were to walk on one of Lakeside’s regulating walking tracks you would find written signs that encourage thoughts of gratitude as a part of brain regulation and coping with life stressors. We recognize that our students who have faced trauma and life adversity need to use gratitude as a tool for control of their emotions and behaviors.
When we practice deep appreciation and gratitude for the many people who we care about and who care about us, as well as the many good things of life, we can recognize that it has life-enhancing benefits that help us regulate our brains and bodies. I hope you will be able to take some time to remember, journal and have conversations around our gratitude for the many good things we are experiencing in life this holiday season. It is like eating a great meal that brings life, strength and good emotional health.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
