Mental Health Minute: Giving thanks

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Tuesday is Christmas Eve and while it’s not known as the holiday for giving thanks it is still a big part of the holiday, more on how being grateful benefits us in this week’s mental health minute.

“It’s not hard to find things you’re grateful for, if you’re looking for them,” said Laura Stewart, the Employee Well-Being Program Manager at St. Luke’s.

Being thankful is usually associated with the Thanksgiving holiday, but Christmastime also provides an opportunity to look at the good that each of us have in our own lives and is yet another reason for the season.

“Gratitude and thankfulness are what the season is all about let’s be honest, sure it’s gift giving, gift getting, but taking a moment to be grateful for what you have in that moment is so powerful and it really can enable you to feel more positive about your life and about those around you,” Stewart said.

She adds that giving back to others who have helped us is also a big part of being thankful and can help our own outlook on life.

“By giving, whether it’s to family and friends or even to a community volunteer activity. All those things increase your own gratefulness in your life and can really improve your attitude toward it,” Stewart said.

A Harvard Health study found that improving your gratitude and thankfulness is something that can help you in your day-to-day life and Stewart offered a strategy for people in the Magic Valley to be more thankful in the coming year.

“Jot down one or two things that you’re grateful for everyday and start a habit of that this coming year and see what that does to improve your outlook on life and your positivity,” Stewart said.

However you choose to give thanks this holiday season, make sure to take care of yourself physically and mentally.

Copyright 2024 KMVT. All rights reserved.