Running a business, taking care of a family, and just dealing with the complexity of life can, at times, be extremely stressful for me.
Negative things happen every day to everyone.
It’s how we handle them that will determine our thoughts, our moods, and our actions.
Dwell on the negative, and stress rises.
Focus on the positive, and stress decreases.
It sounds simple, but it has been a game changer for me in my life and in my business.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m far from perfect..always a work in progress.
I still get angry.
I still have negative thoughts.
I still base some decisions on emotions.
But I’m so far removed from my days of being a hot-headed, fly-off-the-handle young man.
Now I’m more of a level-headed, gratitude-driven “old guy.”
I use the word gratitude because that is the ONE thing that has made the biggest difference for me in improving my health and my life.
I learned about the powers of gratitude during my quest for personal development, and I discovered the research on gratitude is clear:
Practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. It can…
- Reduces stress: Expressing gratitude can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. When you focus on the things you’re thankful for, you shift your attention away from negative thoughts and worries.
- Boosts immune system: Gratitude can improve your immune system by reducing inflammation and promoting better sleep. This can help protect you from illnesses and infections.
- Improves mental health: Gratitude can help improve your mental health by increasing positive emotions and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also improve your self-esteem and sense of well-being.
- Enhances relationships: When you express gratitude towards others, it can strengthen your relationships and promote feelings of closeness and connection.
- Encourages healthy behaviors: People who practice gratitude are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.
Overall, practicing gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to improve your health and well-being. At Active Life Fitness, we believe a strong mind can build a strong body and vice versa.
Marty Musikant
