Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. We love it
when the families get together. Even though we might not be able to agree on
even the simplest things, such as which football team to cheer for, just that
act of getting together is so heartwarming. Plus there is a lot to be said for
a holiday that brings together good food, great company and giving thanks.
The holiday season also puts everyone in the giving mood. In
addition to getting gifts for family and friends, for some of us it may be the
time of year when we focus a little bit more on our charitable giving. It’s also the time of year when we, in spite
of our busy schedules, try to volunteer. And don’t we all seem to have a little
more fun during the holidays? Holiday get togethers, holiday parties, fun
activities for kids of all ages abound. Is it any wonder that this time of year
is a favorite for us?
Every Thanksgiving, and every day we find just so very much
to be thankful for. Last year I mentioned to you that we were ever so grateful
for the safe arrival of our baby Christian who continues to be such a joy to us.
This year at Thanksgiving we are grateful for our new baby. Before you all start knitting us little hats
and booties, (we appreciate so much your wonderful gifts, thank you!) let me just say that we did not have another child J
but rather we opened up a new 2nd office in the Farmington area.
This was one of those times when things came together in a divine way and we
are now blessed to serve an additional community - for that we are truly
grateful.
So I know what you are thinking: “OK Dr. Shepherd, what does
this have to do with me and my pain?” Well I was just getting to that: Even
though this season has the potential to be a wonderful experience, there is
also the potential for it to be a stressful time, and I can attest to this
personally. I have patients who tell me that this time of year results in an
increase in their headaches, neck pain and back pain! Maybe there is something
simple that can go a long way to help? What if we all focus on gratitude,
giving and fun during this holiday season, and watch how it changes our pain
for the better.
Please let me share the results of some research on this topic
with you. I know we all have heard about people who have achieved great changes
in their lives and health which they attributed to changing their attitude to
one of gratitude. We've heard of people changing horrendous conditions in their
lives or beating terrible illnesses like cancers, and some information out of
Harvard Medical School and studies out of University of California and
University of Pennsylvania have shown that an attitude of gratitude does impact
our physiology. In one study, 10 weeks of gratitude resulted in fewer visits to
a physician. In another study, various treatments were compared and gratitude
had the greatest impact and the effects lasted at least a month.
The studies suggest it so let’s try it out! Will you join us?
From today until Jan 1st 2016, let’s focus our attention on the
things in our lives that we are grateful for, the acts of kindness that we give
and receive and the fun things that we can do safely this holiday season. Find
us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saporitochiropractic
and post about things you are thankful for, random acts of kindness – given or received
- that mean something to you, as well as any fun uplifting heartwarming holiday
stories that you may have to share. Please use hashtag #BePainFree.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a completely pain
free 2016!
Dr. Shepherd
