What do you say about 2020? That you wish it was over? A common response from almost everyone during these COVID times. And as we enter the year-ending season of celebration, giving thanks, reflection, and looking ahead to the future, many people have been sickened by this unrelenting virus, separated from their families, lost loved ones, or are experiencing financial hardships. It’s difficult to even consider Thanksgiving, isn’t it? But we must try to inject gratefulness into our lives. It’s time to develop an attitude of gratitude this holiday season.
Gratitude Is Good For Your Health.
Research conducted through The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, continues to support the premise that grateful people sleep better, have healthier hearts, and fewer aches and pains. Participants in their studies kept online “gratitude journals” in which they reported the results of better physical health, including fewer headaches, less stomach pain, clearer skin, and reduced congestion.
Participants in the research also shared that a focus on gratitude—as opposed to just recording daily events and hassles—helped them fall asleep more quickly, sleep longer, attain a better quality of sleep, and stay awake more easily during the day. Results showed evidence that more grateful people sleep better because they have fewer negative thoughts and more positive ones at bedtime.
If grateful people are getting better sleep, that means less fatigue, less depression, and lower levels of immune responses that can cause negative effects on the cardiovascular system. Better heart health! More grateful people reported having healthier lifestyles, too. Besides helping them sleep, gratitude motivated study participants to engage in other healthy behaviors like eating well.
Gratitude Will Feed Your Optimism.
Michael J. Fox is currently on tour for his new book, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality. In his book, he tells how gratitude for his family, friends, professional career, his life so far, and all he’s learned in life has given him an increased optimism for what lies ahead, despite his several setbacks and scares due to struggles with Parkinson’s disease. He leaves readers with this mantra for the months and years ahead, “Gratitude will feed your optimism.”
Let’s Feed Our Optimism With Gratitude In 2021.
Aside from all the gloom we’re constantly bombarded with every day—each shocking statistic, every depressing headline—there’s still a lot in our lives to be grateful for. Maybe you’re grateful that you and your family have escaped many of the pandemic’s negative impacts. Maybe you’ve had the time and opportunity to reconnect with old friends. Perhaps you’ve become more sensitive to the needs of others. Possibly a need to communicate better has resulted in becoming more computer savvy and proficient in your digital skills. Perhaps you’ve been checking a number of projects off your long-time to-do list. Maybe you’re reading more and catching up on old movies you’ve missed. What are you grateful for that’s helping make you more optimistic for the coming year?
At The Carrington at Lincolnwood, we’re grateful for so many things that are fueling our optimism for 2021. Here are five of the many, many reasons.
We’re Thankful:
- For being part of the senior living industry that has—while taking some pretty heavy hits this year—proved to be resilient under immense pressure.
- For our amazing residents and their families who have joined us in support of maintaining a carefree, vibrant, and inspiring senior living lifestyle at The Carrington.
- For our resilient and passionate staff who appreciate the opportunity to serve the wonderful residents of The Carrington every day.
- For the strength, innovation, creativity, and spirit that has kept us all moving forward together and evolving even under duress.
- For those in management positions at The Carrington who are successfully helping the entire community navigate protocols and restrictions imposed by the multiple public health organizations dedicated to helping everyone get safely through these times.
Keep your personal “Attitude of Gratitude” top-of-mind as we approach the new year. We would love for you to come and see us at The Carrington in 2021. Contact us online or call (847) 744-9469 to arrange a private in-person or virtual tour.
