Appreciating What You Have

It’s easy to look at others who seem to have it all together and wonder where you went wrong. It can sometimes be challenging to find something to be thankful for. However, Thanksgiving is a time for expressing gratitude, and there’s always something to celebrate. After all, being grateful makes you happier!

Whether it is a healthy smile or a good oral health report at your last dental appointment, you have plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Use this time to reflect on what you have, and appreciate the blessings that enrich your life.

1. Health and Well-Being

Physical and mental health is always something to express gratitude for. When you are healthy, you can live life to the fullest. Remember that others may not enjoy the holidays because of their health problems.

People often don’t consider their health at all until something goes wrong. But good health is a gift. Thinking about your health daily is crucial to ensure you live a long, enjoyable life. When you are healthy, you can enjoy the beautiful weather and family as you gather to celebrate.

Many consider them separate entities, but oral health is critical to overall health. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, so when it is well cared for, your body will reflect that.

Oral bacteria, for example, is the same bacteria found in the arteries. Be grateful for the opportunity to routinely visit a dental service provider in Austin to prevent adverse health conditions.

2. Family and Loved Ones

Thanksgiving is a time to get together with family. Whether you are celebrating with your family or the friends you call family, you may travel across the country to be with the ones you love. That in itself is something to be grateful for. However, it can be tempting to focus more on making things “perfect” than enjoying your time together.

These people often love and support you regardless of your choices. Your family is often a point of stability; you know they are there for you when you must focus on complicated matters.

Sometimes, the holidays are challenging when you celebrate for the first time without a loved one. You must lean on those who understand what you are going through during these times.

3. Opportunities and Achievements

Think about everything you have accomplished this year. Whether you bought a new car, got married, or landed your dream job, it’s time to celebrate and express gratitude. You must recognize the smallest achievements, but focus on being grateful for the opportunities rather than the achievement itself.

With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to forget the opportunities you’ve been given. Have you recently graduated from college? Celebrate that! Did you get the promotion you’ve had your eye on for months? Say thank you! Did you reach a new personal best at the gym? Express how grateful you are that you are healthy enough to set a record during your workout.

It’s important to be gracious for even the tiniest successes, like getting a good report at your dental checkup in Austin, TX.

4. Nature and the Environment

There is much to be grateful for when it comes to nature and the environment. Access to clean drinking water is one thing you should never take for granted. You use water daily to wash clothes, brush your teeth, shower, and prepare food. Without access to clean water, you could fall ill.

Nature also provides fresh, nutritious food year-round. Livestock have access to clean water, which contributes to their health. In turn, farmers can deliver safe, fresh meat to the local markets where you shop.

Many modern food items are processed and loaded with added sugars. However, nature provides access to a bounty of tooth-friendly foods, like apples and carrots. Remember to be thankful for these foods that contribute to your overall health.

5. Acts of Kindness and Community

Kindness always goes a long way. Think about the last time someone was randomly kind to you. It likely made your day a little brighter. It means someone else put your needs first, even for a split second. Being kind creates a sense of belonging throughout the community and reduces isolation for those who may feel alone.

You can express gratitude by completing random acts of kindness throughout the holidays. Try volunteering at a local food bank, or do something as simple as checking in on your neighbor. Taking the time to say hello and asking how they are may mean more to them this Thanksgiving season than you can imagine.

Being kind to someone improves your health too. Serving someone else releases endorphins and makes you feel better about yourself. It lowers stress levels and produces oxytocin, which helps lower blood pressure.

Don’t forget to be kind to yourself this Thanksgiving.

Being kind to yourself is equally as important as displaying kindness toward others. Take care of your health so you have something to continue being grateful for. Schedule a cleaning and checkup with Palmer Lane Family Dentistry in Austin, TX. Call us today!