Practise Gratitude

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It’s tempting to sweat the small stuff: Waiting in rush-hour traffic is a drag. The cold air vent constantly blowing down on you at work: ugh. But what if you thought of these hassles as things to be grateful for?

Maybe you wouldn’t have heard that song you loved in high school come on the radio if not for the traffic jam. Or perhaps the chill in your office means you can wear your favourite sweater year-round. Being grateful for things big and small isn't just a mood-booster. Thankfulness touches so many aspects of your life: enhancing life satisfaction, optimism, relationships and even promoting better sleep!

Being grateful can help you navigate setbacks and challenges, too. And when it comes to your wellness journey, gratitude pays off as well: One study found that people who focused on what they were thankful for moved more than those who concentrated on what was wrong in their lives. What's more, thankfulness can lead to a better body image and greater self-esteem, both of which can help you succeed at weight loss and maintenance. So it's not surprising, then, that everyday appreciation can
boost your happiness quotient , which prompts you to make healthier choices.

Say "thanks!"

Think you don’t have much to feel grateful for? Think again, says Robert Emmons, Ph.D. Gratitude "does not depend upon objective life circumstances such as health, wealth, or beauty,” he writes in Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Makes Us Happier In other words, gratitude and its benefits lie within, not in externals that aren't guaranteed to last. How to get started? Reflecting on "3 good things" that happen to you each day—the quick and fun exercise in your WW FreestyleTM weekly can help you tune in to moments of pleasure, grace, and joy. The more you actively notice and appreciate things like a perfectly juicy peach or a sweet text message from your wife, the more often you’ll delight in the ordinary without having to work at it.

The upside of your journey

What about your wellness journey? Why not give a nod to the fun, inspiring, or surprising stuff you enjoy along the way? It can help you feel more accepting and optimistic when weight loss is going more slowly than you'd like. And it can help you stay the course as you realize there's so much to appreciate about the journey beyond a number on the scale.

What's so great about your weight-loss journey? Some things to consider:

• Trying new recipes

• Climbing stairs without stopping

• Seeing your toes

• Learning about yourself through journaling

• Sharing inspiration and conversation on Connect.

• Feeling your toned biceps or defined collarbone

• Discovering nonfood pleasures

• Buying new, smaller clothing

• your "good thing" here!