September 21 is recognized as World Gratitude Day. As we become more self-aware as a society, we’re gaining a better appreciation for mental health and how it contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Practicing acts of gratitude is a simple and effective way to enhance one’s quality of life.
We all experience daily stress and anxiety to some extent and the pandemic hasn’t made it any easier, so finding moments to show gratitude is crucial. This year, be mindful of how you and your family can celebrate healthier living. Here are three ways you can start practicing gratitude to improve your well-being today.
Live Stream Yoga Classes
Yoga, by definition, is intended to improve health and relaxation levels, and there’s a bevy of different forms. When was the last time you had a good laugh? The kind of laugh when you feel the positive energy radiating from your core. Laughter Yoga is rising in popularity for its ability to decrease stress levels while increasing flexibility and respiration. Jiaren Yoga & Santa Clara Acupuncture, in Santa Clara, CA, hosts a live stream laughter yoga class, which is ideal for those searching to add some extra joy in their life.
Laughter has several health benefits and it’s been proven to increase your body’s oxygen intake and endorphins released from your brain. COVID-19 has bogged us down with dreary thoughts, but a little laughter and exercise is just the trick to get you feeling right this special day!
Get Active and Improve Your Well-Being
The advantages of working out regularly are well-documented, but we often focus on the obvious ones, like how it improves our appearance. Beyond the surface-level benefits, exercise reduces the feeling of low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Stay at home orders has confined us indoors for long periods, leaving us feeling lethargic and unmotivated. Make an effort to go outside, whether it’s for a hike, a run, swimming, or rollerblading, enjoying some fresh air will do wonders for your psyche.
Spend Time with the People You Love
World Gratitude Day is about appreciating various aspects of your life and taking steps toward healthier living. Surround yourself with family and friends who share your desire to be positive. Family is a foundational pillar, so create time for the people you love and put effort into those relationships by spending the day with them. Find joy in accomplishing things together and cherish the in-person interaction — it’s hard to come by nowadays.
Spending time with the family provides a sense of belonging and is shown to have positive long-term physical and mental effects. Consider ways to get the family involved in a joint activity, such as family yoga. Even if you’re inexperienced, it could be a fun and silly way to share a laugh and lift everyone’s spirit!
No matter what your situation is, we can try to find the silver lining in a dark cloud. Whether you’re interested in exercising or relaxing, Vagaro can help you do both! Check out local businesses near you on Vagaro.com and to find ways to improve your mental and physical well-being!
Live Stream Image: People photo created by yanalya – www.freepik.com
Images: Giorgio Trovato via Vagaro