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16 ARCHBOLD
MEDICAL CENTER
Elving Colon, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Thomasville Family Medicine
Be grateful—for your
health
Great news! Care to share
Happiness shared is happiness multiplied.
Studies show that telling a friend about a happy event in your
life increases the amount of joy you feel about that event, and
that attitude of gratitude may just spread to those around you.
TALK ABOUT
a positive perk: By cul-
tivating a spirit of gratitude, you actually
end up with more to be thankful for.
“When you make an effort to see the
good in life, it feels good. You’ll likely
notice that you are happier—more
content and less stressed,” said family
physician Elving Colon, MD. “You’ll also
enjoy some nice health benefits.”
Some studies show that practicing
gratitude may help:
•
Lower blood pressure.
•
Boost immune response.
•
Lower the risk for depression, anxiety
and substance abuse disorders.
4 ways to grow in gratitude
A grateful spirit may seem like it comes
naturally to some people. But to nurture
a habit of thankfulness, it helps to make
a conscious choice, day by day. Dr. Colon
suggests that these practices can help you
keep gratitude at the center of your day.
1
Savor your everyday life.
Slow down
and enjoy those things that bring
you comfort and joy—but that can be
easy to take for granted. A loved one’s
smile. A crisp, cold apple. A bright blue
sky. A warm cup of tea.
2
Write it down.
What makes you
smile? Note it in a daily gratitude
journal. It can truly make a difference
in where your focus lies. It’s hard to get
stuck in the negative when you are busy
counting—and writing about—your
blessings.
Studies show that people who use a
gratitude journal are more optimistic and
enjoy better overall health. They tend to
be more alert, determined, enthusiastic
and energetic. They also:
•
Cope better with stressful life events.
•
Bounce back from illness faster.
•
Exercise more.
•
Sleep longer and enjoy better sleep
quality.
So, big or small, find those moments
from your day—or reflections on your
life—to appreciate. It could be a kind
word said, a helpful neighbor or a hearty
laugh.
Writing it down will help you focus on
the positive. And any time you need a
lift, you can turn back to your journal and
read those memories and moments.
3
Say thanks.
Write a letter. Deliver
it in person if you can. Let others
know how much you appreciate them—
their kindness, generosity, friendship,
time, etc. You’ll reap the benefits of a
grateful deed and bring that person joy
of their own.
4
Do for others.
Reaching out and as-
sisting those in need often reminds
us of the good in the world. Even better,
make volunteering a family affair—and
teach your children the power of giving
and gratitude.