Being thankful is not just for Thanksgiving, we should be thankful in everything, in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Now more than ever people find themselves overwhelmed and burdened by even everyday tasks. There never seems to be enough time to get everything done on our “lists”. We feel defeated and get blinded to the blessings we have in our lives.
How does this affect our health?
It is no secret that over the past two years there has been a sharp increase in mental health disorders, addictive behaviors, and increases in medications for anxiety and depression. This is especially true for our young adult population. Other issues that come with this growing epidemic is digestive complaints. I often say to people that is it “rest and digest” not “stress and digest”. Common issues are IBS, gas, bloating, constipation, and acid reflux.
I want you to know that there is hope for all these people. Starting with a simple daily ritual of being thankful for one thing that happened during your day is a wonderful way to finish the day off right. Being thankful for something you accomplished that day is one example. Another thing I like to do is when someone tells me something they are proud of doing I make sure I tell them how proud of them or excited I am for them to have been able to do that. Never underestimate your impact you have on others, this enthusiasm for others brings light into their life and yours.
What you should do.
Spending time with others who build you up and support you in positive ways helps being thankful much easier as well. Having a sense of connection has been shown to be a key component to living longer, but even better, it has been shown to improve quality of life. At the end of the day, quality is what matters most. Finding people you can share your thoughts, your struggles, and your triumphs with is essential to being thankful. People say all the time that you are the sum of the 5 people you spend time together with most. Look around and see who these people are and make sure they are building you up to be a better person.
Finally, I think everyone should read some type of scripture daily. It can be a short one-minute, or as long as an hour-long study. Now if you do not like to read, listening to something that can help you learn more about God and what he has done for you, and it ties all the things I have said previously together. I think without this it is hard to be thankful in life, to find purpose in life, and to genuinely want the best for yourself and others. We need to bring more light into this world and not be slight about our beliefs in God. “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent” (Acts 18:9), so we must show the world that being thankful in God is an important part of your lives.
I hope that not only is your Thanksgiving holiday amazing, but that you really think about the things you can do to be the light in this world.
-Dr. Brian Opp D.C.