Gratitude is a positive emotion that can arise when you acknowledge that you have goodness in your life and that other people or factors have helped you achieve that goodness.
But “feeling it is only half the equation,” said Philip Watkins, a professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University and the author of “Gratitude and the Good Life.” Expressing gratitude is equally important to reap the benefits of this emotion, he said.
One of the most popular gratitude practices is to journal but there are many other ways to also bring that positivity and turn it into gratitude. Pay attention to the little things. For example, when on a walk look at the birds and trees, weather, and listen to all the surrounding ambient sounds. Another simple way to practice gratitude and spread positivity is to tell someone you are grateful for them or something they did. Write a thank you note. Acknowledging to others that they have had a positive effect, makes the receiver of this message also feel grateful.
Multiple studies have shown that performing these types of activities provides mental health benefits- reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, increasing self-esteem and improving satisfaction with daily life.
Gratitude truly is a gift that keeps on giving. One moment a day is enough.
Rural Healthcare Day was Thursday, November 16. Each year this day brings into focus the unique needs of general healthcare in rural areas. The need for more mental health treatment, accessibility and conquering stigma grows every year in rural areas. The lack of mental health resources and treatment for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers is increasingly concerning, and many have started grassroots efforts to deal with the lack of accessibility and the negative stigma associated with it.
Jenny McCoy from The Colorado Sun cites, “Working in agriculture is increasingly stressful. According to an American Farm Bureau Federation survey conducted in December 2021, 60% of people working on farms are experiencing more stress and mental health challenges compared to a year ago. The Farm Bureau survey revealed stressors impacting this population’s mental health include financial struggles, the state of the farm economy, and weather or other factors beyond a person’s control.”
Read more about how Colorado rural areas are helping their ranchers, farmers and agricultural workers get help and access support services.
“How Colorado training programs aim to cut mental healthcare stigma among farmers and ranchers.”
Mind Springs Update
Welcome to Adil Ijaz, Vice President of Healthcare Integration. He brings 10 years of experience in business analysis, process improvement, and clinical operations to the organization. Previously, Ijaz served at Harbor in Toledo, Ohio, where he served as a healthcare integration business analysist and management consultant.
“Adil is a dynamic, proven healthcare leader who is well-versed in mental health care clinical operations and process improvement,” said John Sheehan, CEO of Mind Springs. “He is adept at process design and operations, root cause and analysis, motivating clinical teams and strategic decision making. We’re excited to have him join the Mind Springs Health team.”
