In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to get distracted by the commotion of our intense schedules and forget to slow down. Focusing on what we lack or need to obtain for our well-being, our brain tends to focus on the negative or difficulties surrounding us. However, have we reflected on the benefits of expressing our thankfulness and gratitude and the profound impact it may have on our mental health?

Humans are not guaranteed an easy or pain-free journey on Earth. We all face seasons of pain and loss when we feel our lowest and most vulnerable.

Throughout a person’s life, nearly half of all individuals may face challenges related to mental health. Those who have struggled understand the difficulties of overthinking and overanalyzing conversations. Studies show that we need five positive comments daily to outweigh one negative comment we may receive. Once we recognize this, our daily conversations become more focused. Everyone has an opportunity to immediately impact a family member, friend, coworker, or stranger’s life. With one simple smile or conversation, we can be a bright spot in someone’s dark season of life.

I have been a part of the Perham Health team since December 2022. Over this short time, I have had the privilege to meet, visit, and pray with hundreds of families. I have heard many phenomenal comments regarding the employees at Perham Health. If I could share anything insightful, it would be that patients and residents who have received our care recognize when staff are having positive or negative days. Our behaviors, comments, and attitudes play a role in their care. Often, the most minor interactions can have the most significant impact on life experiences.

Appreciating the good things and people in our lives, aspects of our lives that are going well, or even simply understanding ways we have avoided poor outcomes are all examples of being thankful. There are several ways to display gratitude through our thoughts and actions, such as writing a brief thank-you note expressing appreciation for a friend, family member, or coworker or mentally thanking someone. Many people keep a gratitude journal or list their blessings throughout the week, actively recalling the many ways they are blessed without initially noticing them. Spending time in prayer, meditation, or silence may improve sleep and focus, reduce stress, and many other benefits.

Incorporating gratitude and thankfulness is not about making an immediate lifestyle change. Instead, it is about shifting our perspectives in small ways and appreciating what is good in our lives. Taking a few moments each morning before we leave our homes to  reflect on the blessings around us and our impact on others in our communities and families can carry us through the day’s adversities.

Take a brief moment to think about something or someone you want to show gratitude for. Yes, it is a small step, but it can make a big difference in your life and someone else’s.

Chaplin McKay Ness, LPN at Perham Living

About Perham Health 

Perham Health is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with three primary care clinics, a 96-bed nursing home, home health care agency, adult day services, memory care assisted living, and senior housing.  The medical staff consists of 24 physicians, a nurse midwife, 14 advance practice clinicians, and three chiropractors. Visit perhamhealth.org to learn more.