Three Reasons to Stay Grateful This Christmas
Posted by Samantha Lawson, Nov 09, 2020
Being positive is for life, not just for Christmas! The word ‘gratitude' has popped up so much in our conversations with experts right now, and so this reminder to count our blessings is especially needed during the dark winter months, and it could have much longer-term, much more significant effects on your wellbeing than you realise. From helping to build natural resilience to boosting physical health, there are so many reasons why the power of positivity is so studied and so good for your wellbeing. Luckily there are plenty of natural ways to help you flip that switch from negative to positive, because it is SO MUCH HARDER when the sun goes down at 4 pm, and festive burnout sets in.
Resilience
Action for Happiness’ Vanessa King touts positive thinking as a way to build your natural resilience. “Even on the worst day there is ‘a best moment” she says, reminding us that even the smallest win (like a soft, warm bed) is still a win. She’s also an advocate of meeting negative thoughts with a “Yes, and…” so no matter what you’re caught up in, you give yourself the chance to flip it to a positive. Practising these techniques mean you not only boost your mood but you build up your natural resilience over time, so you’re better equipped to deal with difficult times when they come up.
Less stress
Learn how to not sweat the small stuff, and the big stuff gets more manageable. Our lives are full of plenty of stresses that can build up and seem overwhelming, but taking a pause to focus on something GOOD like achievements you’ve made in the past is one of the first steps to preventing extra stress before it gets too much, rather than waiting till it’s too much and dealing with it afterwards. Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Hepburn says we’re far too focused on the cure, not the prevention, and we’re all about small steps towards setting ourselves up for success. Small steps like choosing products with de-stressing essential oils, and scheduling self-care into our days with as much dedication as when we schedule our to-do lists.
Physical health and wellbeing
Less anxiety, depression and negativity are signs of a better mood, OBVIOUSLY. But in the same way, as physical exercise like yoga or walking can make our moods lift, this link is a two-way street. Studies by the Yale School of Public Health have even suggested a positive outlook can reduce your risk of dementia, and extend your life by up to seven and a half years. And this is all on top of the reduction in the physical effects of stress and anxiety on the body. That’s a reason to look on the bright side if ever we heard one…
But HOW?
As well as the techniques mentioned by Vanessa King and Dr Emma Hepburn, there are plenty of ways we can all be making small changes to keep that glass half full.
1. Make sure your magnesium intake is up to scratch. Set yourself up for success by ensuring your magnesium levels are topped up, so your body is ready to convert all the anti-stress techniques, mood-boosting exercise, vitamins and essential oils you’re working so hard to include in your routine, into properly effective changes to your mind and body.
2. Fill your home with proven mood-boosters. Certain essential oils like neroli, mandarin oil and lemon are amazing for soothing anxiety and making you feel GOOD, and they’re all in our Scent to Make You Happy range.
3. Get proper sleep. Losing sleep in times of stress is a vicious cycle, that keeps you from recovering properly and being your best YOU. How can you focus on the good things when you’re fighting through brain fog? Stick to that bedtime routine and your emotional wellbeing will thank you for it.
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