While the holiday season can bring joy and togetherness, it also surfaces stress and complex emotions surrounding family, loss, and identity. At WellSet, we understand the importance of supporting our members during these challenging times, which is why we've chosen gratitude as the guiding theme for this month's classes.
What Is Gratitude?
Linda A. Baker, MS, LPC, ATR-BC, Senior Allied Clinical Therapist at Princeton Health, beautifully defines gratitude as "the practice of noticing and appreciating the good things that exist or are happening in your life." It's a simple yet powerful concept that can significantly impact our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
The Science of Gratitude
When we engage in acts of gratitude, such as jotting down things we are thankful for, we trigger the release of two crucial neurotransmitters: serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals play a pivotal role in regulating our happiness, pleasure, and overall well-being. In essence, practicing gratitude can provide immediate relief from acute stress and anxiety by flooding our brains with these feel-good chemicals. Moreover, consistent gratitude practices help establish positive-thinking pathways, elevating our health and enhancing overall life outcomes. Essentially, gratitude helps us feel and live better.
Gratitude in the Workplace
Harvard Health research highlights how the power of gratitude also extends to workforce wellness. When managers express gratitude through feedback or appreciation of their employees' work, it fosters internal motivation among employees. A simple "thank you" or acknowledgment of specific contributions not only promotes productivity but also generates positive feelings toward work.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Gratitude
Gratitude isn't just a mood booster; it enhances emotional resiliency, lowers blood pressure, and fosters a sense of purpose. These benefits translate into improved mood, boosted immunity, better sleep, and stronger relationships with ourselves and our loved ones. At WellSet, we are profoundly grateful for the practice of gratitude!
Embrace Gratitude with WellSet
As we dive into our theme of gratitude, we invite you to explore some of our favorite gratitude-centered classes in the WellSet Studio this month:
- Mindful Breathwork for Calm
- Mindful Breath + Movement
- Guided Sound Meditation to Unwind + Sleep Deeply
- Guided Gratitude Journaling
- Mindful Practices to Prep Your Body for the Holidays
These classes serve as an internal hug and warm blanket as we embrace the colder months ahead.
How to Begin Your Gratitude Practice:
- Join WellSet's Guided Classes: Dive into our gratitude-themed classes this November.
- Send a Note of Thanks: Think of someone who recently showed kindness, and send them a heartfelt note of appreciation.
- Express Love and Appreciation: Show gratitude to the people you love who surround you.
- Start a Gratitude Journal: Begin a daily journaling practice by writing down five things you're grateful for in the present moment.
This November, let's harness the transformative power of gratitude to enhance our well-being and spread positivity to ourselves and those around us.
WellSet 101