Have you thanked a health care worker lately? Give the gift of gratitude today!
Thankfulness is not just a fleeting emotion or something we wait to express around the holiday dinner table once a year. It is a year-round practice that can significantly improve our lives, especially when we are stressed or facing a difficult time.
Did you know that research tells us that practicing gratitude can enhance our wellbeing and promote a lasting change in perspective? Our physical health also improves with a positive mindset – including better sleep, heart health, and our ability to handle stress. People who regularly practice gratitude report higher satisfaction with life, stronger social relationships and more self-esteem.
We encourage community members to reach out to a health care worker in their life this week to say thank you for the care they provide others every day.
Mindful Coloring
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If you’re feeling creative, Bearnard, SSM Health’s favorite bear buddy, also gives us the opportunity to practice gratitude in two ways: we can take a moment to express our thanks for a health care worker or take some time to write down three things from our day that made us feel grateful or happy.
Added bonus: mindful coloring is a healthy way to relieve stress! It calms the brain and helps your body relax. This can improve sleep and fatigue while decreasing body aches, heart rate, respiration, and feelings of depression and anxiety. Be sure to share your creativity on your personal social media pages – and encourage your family and friends to do so as well. Upload your colorful Bearnard coloring sheets and tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and share their photo with the hashtag #SSMHealthcareWeek.
