This time of the year can be overwhelming with expectations around the holidays, and living with chronic pain doesn’t make it any easier. One way to find some relief from the pressure and stress is to focus on gratitude. You might find gratefulness in a glimmer of beauty, a positive emotion, someone's smile, a favorite show. Finding something to be thankful for, whether great or small, can help calm your mind and lift your mood.
The evidence of 15 years of research shows that in general, an attitude of gratitude may benefit one's daily well-being, and not just in psychological ways. Some study results even indicate that thankfulness may support physical health as well – improving sleep and heart health, for two examples. Research still has many questions to answer. Are grateful people healthier? Or are healthier people just more grateful? Perhaps people with a thankful perspective on the world are more likely to eat a healthy diet, exercise, follow their doctor’s recommendations, or less likely to smoke? Even with all of the questions that still exist about the impact of gratitude, thankfulness does seem to be connected with better quality of life. Don’t we all want some of that?
Some days, living with a chronic pain condition can make it hard to feel thankful. Daily pain and related psychological symptoms like depression can make everyday life more challenging. Like most things in life, gratitude can get easier with practice. Setting aside time to practice gratitude can help you get in the habit of looking for things to be thankful for.
Here are some practical ways you can harness positivity in your life:
Imagine a jar where you could place one thought of gratitude. What would it be? Share what you're grateful for with fellow MyChronicPainTeam members in the comments below.
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A MyChronicPainTeam Member
My wife and I go on zoom every two weeks. To talk to our yoga teacher inregardscgo healing
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