Practicing Gratitude - November 2021
November...The month of gratitude. A month where we give thanks. But did you know that science has shown that gratitude changes the structure of the brain? That it has many benefits both mentally and physically? That it can enhance sports performance?
Research has shown that practicing gratitude affects our brain in a few ways. Feeling gratitude releases a hormone called dopamine. Dopamine is the FEEL GOOD hormone...it helps prompt feelings of happiness! In addition, studies have shown that expressing gratitude helps decrease stress as it has been shown to lower the hormone cortisol, which is the prominent stress hormone.
So, besides the mental and physical health benefits, how can gratitude help athletes? When athletes regularly take time to appreciate their teammates and the support of their coaches, they strengthen the bond of the team, which has been shown to impart resilience.
Even though most gymnasts are one team it is also an individual sport…Can gratitude still have benefits….the answer is YES!
Gymnasts who are able to maintain an intentional and grateful mind through training can add resiliency to hard workouts. When you are grateful for the opportunity to do the sport it can make it a little bit easier to get through a challenging workout. In addition, being actively focused on what you have (and being grateful for it) lends itself to healthier goal setting. Your goals are more likely to be centered around performance and personal growth than aesthetics or benchmarks that rely on factors out of your control.
What is an easy way to practice gratitude? Keeping a gratitude journal is a great start. Write down 1-2 things you are grateful for each day!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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