What are you most grateful for?

This one simple question has the power to transform the way we think completely.

As the weather begins to cool down and Thanksgiving is near, we often hear more conversations about gratitude and reflection. This time of year naturally pulls us towards reflecting on our lives and giving thanks. Gratitude, however, should not be a seasonal trend because it is the foundation of overall wellness of the body, mind, and spirit. Taking time to reflect on what you are thankful for in your life allows you to celebrate positivity and build emotional resilience towards any challenges that may come your way.

WHAT GRATITUDE DOES FOR THE MIND AND BODY

Dedicating time in your wellness routine to reflect on what you are thankful for is more than a simple “feel-good” task. Practicing gratitude is a powerful and science-backed activity that can help you reshape your unique path in life. In a Harvard study, research revealed that practicing gratitude often can help people feel more positive emotions, improve their health, and build strong relationships.

When you take time to acknowledge the aspects of your life or your day that you are thankful for, your mental and physical health is benefited through the release of “feel-good” hormones in your brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. Your brain associates gratitude as a reward and, in turn, reduces negative emotions while also promoting healthy behaviors.

MOVING WITH GRATITUDE

The beauty of gratitude lies in its ability to shift your mindset from feeling obligated to do something to truly appreciating what you are doing. Even for those who love exercising, it’s normal to go through periods where moving the body can feel overwhelming. What I have tried lately is this little gratitude routine for my workouts:

• Starting my workouts with an affirmation-  reminding myself that moving my body is a privilege.
• Stretching before a workout and focusing on my breathing- let go of any tension in the body.
• Ending the workout with a reflection- asking myself, “What am I thankful my body was able to do today?”

A quick mindset shift encourages the mind to understand that exercise is a celebration of what the body can do, rather than an obligation.

 DAILY HABITS THAT BLEND GRATITUDE AND WELLNESS

Gratitude does not have to be seasonal. Here are a few simple and powerful ways to practice  year-round:

• Keep a gratitude journal – Write three things you are grateful for each day
• Expressing thanks through acts of kindness- Compliment someone or simply just offer them a smile.
• Using a rest day as self-respect, not guilty-  Rest is nourishment for the body and mind.
• View nourishing food as a form of gratitude for sustenance.
• Set your phone wallpaper to a gratitude quote.

GRATITUDE AS A LIFESTYLE

Gratitude is a lifestyle that encourages nourishing your body through movement and strengthens your inner peace. Celebrate your body, your mind, and your relationships through practicing gratitude daily.

 In these last two months of the year and in 2026, make sure to move with gratitude, honor your strength, and shine from your hero within.

Leave us a comment letting us know what you are most thankful for today!