We all understand the importance of fueling our bodies with the right nutrients post weight loss surgery. Now, imagine if I said there's a powerful superfood for your mind that could make a significant difference to your weight loss surgery success?
Introducing the incredible power of gratitude! Just like a superfood fuels your body with essential nutrients, gratitude can nourish your mind and soul, bringing about positive transformations and enriching your life in ways you might not have imagined.
Weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision, and it brings both physical and emotional changes. While the surgery can significantly impact your body's health, it's equally crucial to take care of your mental well-being during this transformative journey. This is where gratitude steps in as a wonderful tool to embrace and amplify your post-surgery experiences.
If by now you’re rolling your eyes, stay with me. Gratitude is not just about saying "thank you" out of politeness; it's a profound practice that involves recognising the good in both tangible and intangible aspects of your life. It's about finding joy in the small victories, embracing the positive moments, and being appreciative of the challenges that make you stronger and more resilient.
Studies in positive psychology have consistently shown that gratitude is linked to greater happiness, emotional well-being, and overall life satisfaction. It can ease levels of depression, improve sleep quality, enhance your social connections, and even boost your productivity and motivation.
Too good to be true? Let’s find out…
Gratitude and Neuralplasticity: The Brain's Superpower
Before we get to our 7 Day Gratitude Challenge, let's geek out for a moment on some cool brain science: neuralplasticity. Sounds fancy, right? Think of it as your brain's superpower to mould and adapt. Just as clay can be shaped into any form, our brains can change, grow, and reorganise themselves based on our experiences and thoughts.
It's like updating the software on your phone. When you consistently practice gratitude, you're essentially upgrading your brain's software to focus more on the positives.
Now, here's the super exciting part! Remember how we talked about the benefits of gratitude? Well, studies have shown that regularly practising gratitude doesn’t just make us feel good for the moment, it actually rewires our brain for happiness and resilience. By consistently finding things to be grateful for, you're not just fostering a positive mindset – you're sculpting a more grateful, joyful, and resilient you!
So, how does it work? When you regularly focus on gratitude, you strengthen the neural pathways associated with positive thinking and emotions. It's like going to the gym, but instead of building muscle, you're building a happier and more adaptable brain.
When we express gratitude our brains release dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical. The more a person expresses gratitude, the more dopamine is released, creating a powerful link between our behaviour and feeling good.
But here's the secret sauce: your brain loves it when you ask questions like, "What am I grateful for?" So even on those tough days when you can't think of anything, simply asking the question is beneficial. Your brain starts scanning for the good stuff, and before you know it, you'll find it easier and easier to spot those little moments that make your heart happy.
Why does this matter after weight loss surgery? Just as your body is going through a transformation, you have the power to shape your mind to better support this journey. Embracing gratitude and understanding the potential of neuralplasticity gives you the tools to ensure your mind keeps pace with your body's changes.
Gratitude Challenge: Make Happiness Your Default Setting in 7 Days!
At My New Tum, we're always eager to bring you practices that enhance not just your physical well-being, but your mental health too. So, we've crafted this simple 7 day challenge that's as nourishing for your mind as a superfood is for your body!
Every day, for just a week, pause for a moment and jot down three things you're grateful for. They could be monumental or minute, but they've got to make you smile. This simple yet powerful practice takes just 1 minute and could be the key to skyrocketing your health goals!
Day 1 Example - Today's Three Joyful Moments:
- Choosing stairs over the lift, feeling the burn and loving it.
- A heartfelt chat with a friend who always knows how to lift my spirits.
- That first sip of a creamy, protein-packed smoothie. Pure bliss!
Feeling inspired? Dive into the My New Tum 7 Day Gratitude Challenge today and prepare to be surprised by the cascade of positivity it can usher into your life!
As you immerse yourself in the challenge, don't be surprised if you find yourself smiling more often or feeling an uplift in your mood, even after just one week. And remember, it's not just the grand gestures or big wins; sometimes, the most joy comes from the simple, everyday moments.
We invite each one of you to not only embrace this challenge but also to share your daily snippets of joy and gratitude with our community. After the week concludes, tell us how it's reshaped your perspective. Your stories can inspire others and remind us all of the collective power of positivity.
Signing Off with a Sprinkle of Positivity...
Remember, gratitude is your secret weapon on your weight loss surgery journey! It's not just about shedding kilos; it's about nourishing your mind, body, and soul. Your mind deserves equal pampering and positivity. By embracing gratitude, you're doing more than sprinkling your days with joy; you're rewiring your brain to default to happiness!
Take the challenge, sprinkle that gratitude, and witness the transformative magic it brings. Because at the end of the day, a thankful heart is a happy heart.
BONUS - Looking for a daily reminder for your gratitude practise?
Download the My New Tum 7 Day Gratitude Challenge wallpaper from our Instagram story highlight to record your daily gratitude practice and share it with your friends and followers. Our wallpaper isn't just beautiful; it's your daily nudge to stay on track and record what you're thankful for!
Everyone who joins the challenge on social media this week will go into the draw to win 1 of 5 $50 My New Tum vouchers!
Winners drawn on Tuesday 7 November.