Two-Steps to Increase Your Wellbeing

Personally I have experienced days where my wellbeing is low. The daily ebb and flow of life can create moments of wellbeing deficiency. What I have learned is this; to protect myself from extended periods of anemic wellbeing I need a two-step approach to energizing my life.

The Common Theme

When I examine the areas of my wellbeing; career, physical, financial, social, and community, as revealed in research from Gallup[1], I can quickly spot a common theme when any one area begins to drop. The common theme is gratitude. You must understand gratitude beyond merely saying “thank you” but as an emotion of deep appreciation for someone or something.

Harvard Medical School defines gratitude this way:

“A thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives … As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature, or a higher power”[2]

When I fail to appreciate what and whom I have in my life my wellbeing immune system weakens. To put it simply, my gratitude impacts my attitude.

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Two-Step Challenge:

To ensure a healthy wellbeing immune system you should consider this simple two-step challenge.

Step One:

Start your day by listing three areas of your life you are grateful for. Personally, I like to do this before I get out of bed. For some you may want to jot yourself a note to place in front of you through out your day as a reminder. For improved results mix up the list every day.

Step Two: 

Through out your day purpose to tell someone (friend or other) you appreciate them and why. I have learned this step is vital to creating a healthy wellbeing. Research has shown daily expressions of gratitude increase alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness, energy, and sleep quality[3].

Join me in taking the gratitude two-step challenge for 21 days. Lean into these simple two steps and confirm for yourself the impact it has on your life. What do you have to lose…nothing, but you do have much to gain.

So, be on purpose beginning today to step into a life of gratitude.

Onward!