The power of positivity, gratitude, and prayer during the pandemic
At Dignity Health, we believe in caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. And in times like these, it's especially important to foster hope.
Let's dive deep into the benefits of mindful practices.
Positive thinking can increase confidence, reduce stress, and promote healthy behaviors. These benefits then translate into better outcomes in people with chronic conditions, like diabetes, and general longevity.
Staying positive during dark times can be a challenge. Start by asking yourself the question, "Where have I found hope in the past?" Then, intentionally connect with people you have a meaningful relationship with. Make phone calls, send emails, and make video calls. By surrounding yourself with a community of people who have your best interest at heart, you can draw upon their strength.
It's also recommended to take it easy on your screen time. Make it a point to limit social media and news consumption. While they both have a place in the world, too much of either one can be a bad thing.
When we choose to be positive, we become aware of the things in our lives that are good. That naturally leads us into opportunities to express gratitude for the things that we do have.
Gratitude has been linked to improved psychological and physical health. It also works wonders for our relationships.
Gratitude is something that's best expressed, not kept inside of our minds.
Here are a few ideas for practicing gratitude:
How do we express gratitude? Prayer. Of course, prayer is for more than just saying "thank you" to God or our Higher Power. Prayer is also an opportunity to lift up our concerns, hopes, and needs to someone who genuinely cares about us.
Researchers have analyzed the power of prayer on physical and mental wellness. A 2015 study of patients with congestive heart failure found that experiencing spiritual peace was a better predictor of mortality risk than even comorbidities and functional health. Another study found that religiosity increased optimism in people with major depressive disorder and chronic conditions.
Prayer is a powerful opportunity to talk to God. While most people know that prayer is our opportunity to ask God for help, we often forget that it is meant to be a transforming experience for us as well. When we take time to sit back and listen for a response from God, we are attempting to make prayer into a two-way conversation instead of a one-way monologue.
Our team at Dignity Health Central California prays for your safety and well-being. We're here for you, always.
Sources:
Time | 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Gratitude
New York Times | A Positive Outlook May Be Good for Your Health