Accentuate the positive

Good morning.

In the midst of busy, demanding days – juggling holiday parties, family gatherings and all the great work you do here at UMMC – life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our instinct may be to simply get through the day, only to start again the next. I encourage each of you this gift-giving season to give yourself the gift of gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s a practice that, over time, can transform our daily lives. I asked Dr. Josie Bidwell, director of the Office of Well-being, and Dr. Danny Burgess, director of the Center for Integrative Health, for some help on this topic. My column today shares their thoughts about how the practice of gratitude positively impacts our mental and physical health.

Practicing gratitude can be a powerful prescription for your overall health. People who intentionally practice gratitude have lower stress, improved mood and better sleep. All of these things translate into better mental and physical well-being.

Our physical health is closely tied to our emotional state. Elevated levels of chronic stress have been linked to higher blood pressure, chronic inflammation and may impact overall heart disease risk. In addition, conditions like anxiety and depression can often trigger a domino effect of poor health choices. When we’re feeling down, we might turn to comfort foods, high in sugar and carbs, and avoid physical activity. This cycle can negatively impact our health.

But practicing gratitude can shift this dynamic, helping us make healthier choices, improve our sleep and strengthen our social connections. Studies show that when we seek out and focus on the positive thoughts we have throughout the day, or what Dr. Burgess calls “uplifts,” we can improve our well-being.

Of course, changing our mindset isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. And certainly, during the holiday season, we have lots pulling us in different directions, making it even harder to change regular patterns.

Our brains are wired to focus on negativity; our survival instincts push us to recognize threats and obstacles. Like any new skill, maintaining a grateful outlook requires intentional, consistent practice. But where do we begin?

The first step is becoming more aware of your thoughts. What do you think about when you wake up? Are you already stressing over rush hour traffic or running through your to-do list? Negative thoughts often arise without us realizing it.

By increasing our awareness of our thoughts, we can make a conscious effort to reframe the negative ones. For example, if you’re stuck in holiday-shopping traffic and feel anxious or agitated, try shifting your perspective. While you can’t control the traffic, you now have a few extra minutes to enjoy your favorite podcast.

Gratitude doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not something we can check off a to-do list. It’s a skill that requires practice, but the benefits are immense.

As I reflect on our work here at UMMC, I feel deeply grateful for all of you. The work we do is challenging, but it’s also profoundly rewarding. Cultivating gratitude helps me stay grounded, resilient and focused on the bigger picture, especially in tough situations.

I encourage you to take time to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, big and small. Not only will it improve your heart health, but it will also enhance your overall well-being and help you better enjoy the holiday season. As we move forward, let’s remember the power of gratitude—both for ourselves, for each other and for A Healthier Mississippi.