Finding Wellness In Gratitude

Have you ever felt your heart flutter whenever someone smiled and said thanks to you? It feels great, right? One of life’s simple yet greatest pleasures is gratitude. According to a study conducted by Robert A. Emmons and Cheryl A. Crumpler,

"Gratitude is an emotional state and an attitude toward life

that is a source of human strength in enhancing one's personal and relational well-being."

Gratitude is something special that gives strength to people and encourages them to create changes towards a better future. Some of us tend to underestimate how much impact it brings. Even so, it comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

First, let’s find out how gratitude manifests in ourselves. Studies have shown that gratitude allows us to sleep better, feel less fatigued, and have less likelihood of heart diseases. Our mental fortitude also grows stronger, making us more satisfied and less materialistic. It gives us more room to be kind and to uplift our overall well-being.

Now, how can it help others? Gratitude is one thing that binds us all together. You see, when we show kindness, we are inspired to pay it forward. We get to forge better and healthier social bonds. We create a healthy social environment for ourselves and other people.

Have you considered creating your gratitude journal? A gratitude journal is where you list the good things you have and count your blessings! What are you thankful for? Take time to jot them down. You’ll be surprised how blessed you are once you’re done!

Gratitude goes a long way in this journey called life. Let us all stay well and inspired!

Wellness Can Help You Focus

Focus is easier said than done. We are all accustomed to multitasking in today's fast-paced world. For example, we could be talking over the phone while we type down emails for the next meeting. As much as multitasking is a great skill, it can be counter-productive.

Wait. How can multitasking be considered a bad thing? For starters, it has the potential to slow us down. Switching between tasks may cause it to take longer. We might make blunders, and overlook some vital details.

It can also distract us and disrupt our flow. I know we can relate to this. There are simply times we feel productive doing tasks, right? Don't you feel frustrated if you get distracted and then, poof, the groove is gone?

Wellness can help in regaining our focus. Focus is our ability to concentrate on more important things and complete tasks more quickly, easily, and enthusiastically. It helps our minds not to get too overwhelmed, and we'll be able to unwind more easily.

Meditation and breathing exercises are two methods to build our focus muscles. These exercises can be done anywhere and at any time. I can assure you that it does not consume much of our time.

During your break, step away from the computer and close your eyes for a few moments. Take a deep breath in and a deep breath out. Allow yourself at least five minutes to just focus on your breathing — elevating your awareness to the sensation of the air passing through your nostrils or mouth.

Give yourself a chance to reset your mind and body. It helps you feel more refreshed and empowered to face challenges ahead.

Focus is a must-have in life. It is the gear that keeps you inspired to become the best version of yourself. It gives you the power to manifest and turn dreams into reality!

If you need help with meditation and breathing exercises, let’s talk! I’m sure we can find something that can work for you!

Wellness Shouldn’t Be Forced

Have you ever looked in the mirror, and been dissatisfied because you don't seem to be progressing toward your goal?

We follow all of the procedures exactly, and we get frustrated because the result that we see is not commensurate to the amount of sweat, and pain that we endure.

Why?

Where did things go wrong?

I remember my personal trainer telling me that even if I do a hundred sit ups everyday, it won't be enough to get me a six-pack abs. There are a lot of other factors involved. Many people understand that effectual wellness does not happen overnight. It is a process we cannot rush. Each body has it's own unique pace. Even if we embark on a fitness quest with our bestfriend, and work on exactly the same routine and eat the same kind and amount of food, we will not lose exactly the same amount of weight or inches. Some of us tend to treat wellness like a competition.

Let me assure you that it is not!

Wellness is a process that enables our body, spirit, and mind to reach optimal levels. It allows us to be free of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Great things require time, and rushing them may impair their quality. Have you heard of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) or 'muscle fever'? Even our body knows when we need to take it easy, rest, and find time to recover.

Forcing ourselves can also result in exhaustion and demotivation. That is why I constantly tell my students to take it slow, not to rush, and only take what they can at the time. Just enjoy the process, and appreciate how it is done.

Let us avoid comparing ourselves to others. Every detail of ourselves is unique. We will attain our peak in time — as long as we are consistent. Be patient, and focus on progress.

After all, every small win is still progress. We are all winners in our own right.