Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, a day created to encourage people to do something kind for others. Expressing gratitude is a thoughtful act that has well-researched psychological benefits and is one way of both improving mental health and encouraging positive emotions.
Gratitude emphasizes the things that women are thankful for and encourages positive thought processes so that positive emotions become a natural, ingrained habit. Habitually appreciating life has been noted to result in greater psychological well-being. People who practice gratitude have healthier life habits than those who don’t: they eat more nutritiously, exercise regularly and attend routine medical appointments. A Hofstra University study reported that practicing gratitude reduces levels of depression and pain.
Gratitude promotes positive emotions, creates an optimistic outlook and improves mental and physical health. Its resulting positive attitude makes a significant difference in recovery from depression, bipolar and other mental health issues.
On Feb. 17, Brookhaven Retreat encourages all women to express gratitude to those who have positively impacted their lives. If continued, this routine of gratitude makes happiness, optimism and positivity habit, and trains the brain to think in a more positive way. This healthy habit supports mental wellness and is an integral part of recovery. Through gratitude, women take one step further toward creating a life worth living.
