by Leslie Sokol
The holiday season is upon us, bringing plenty to do. Between work, chores, shopping, meeting deadlines, and family obligations, it’s easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed, tired, and stressed. However, a simple shift toward gratitude can lift your mood. By fostering thankfulness within ourselves, we strengthen positive emotions and train our brains to focus on life’s good things. This practice can help you feel better as you go about your day, making challenges more manageable.
As seniors, we can be grateful for our longevity and savor our leisure time — we have certainly earned it! Reflecting on the positives in our lives and expressing gratitude is incredibly energizing. It offers perspective that’s surprisingly easy to overlook. No matter the circumstances, there are always things in life we can value and appreciate.
Deliberate gratitude strengthens bonds with friends and family. Think about how you feel when someone says, “thank you.” It feels good to be appreciated. When we express appreciation, we meet others’ needs, lift their spirits, and make them feel validated. These moments build connections, boost positivity, and help us all enter the season of thankfulness more joyfully.
Ways to Practice Thankfulness in Relation to Exercise
- Before a workout: Thank your body for showing up, for the chance to use it, and for your health.
- After a workout: Be grateful for what your body has accomplished.
- Throughout the day: Thank your body for all it does for you, from breathing and moving to helping you stay active. Say things like, “I am so grateful I can exercise and push my body. I feel so much better when I’m done. I know this will help me live longer and improve my quality of life.”
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to empower feelings of thankfulness. During joyful gatherings, we reunite with friends and family to share special moments. Try practicing gratitude daily. Every day can be a day of thanksgiving because there is always something to be thankful for! Stay grateful, stay healthy, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
About the Author
Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of For the Young at Heart, an adult dance and fitness program. She has taught adults and children for 45 years. Watch For the Young at Heart on her YouTube Channel or TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
For more information, contact Leslie at [email protected], 805-312-8089, or visit LeslieSokolsDance.com.
