5 minute read
Gratitude
BY ADRIENNE GARSIDE
One of the more challenging aspects of human nature is our tendency to focus on the negative. Many of us dwell on what we don’t have, or dread the disaster surely lurking just around the corner. There are logical reasons for this. First, our primitive brains are wired to produce a ‘fight or flight’ response to perceived threats. Second, we live in a capitalist society that is constantly telling us that life will be wonderful when we have a new gadget, or car, or body shape, or relationship or….
The good news is that it’s possible to shift these ingrained messages – by quite literally changing our minds. One of the most effective ways to do this is through regular expressions of gratitude. Research shows that gratitude can alter brain chemistry in positive ways. A 2009 US National Institutes of Health study found that sharing gratitude increases activity in the hippocampus – the part of the brain that produces ‘feel-good’ chemicals like dopamine. This generated health benefits including improved sleep, reduced stress, and fewer aches and pains amongst study participants.
Expressing gratitude can also create a virtuous circle within the brain. This means that once your brain is ‘trained’ to find things to be grateful for, it seeks to reinforce feedback already gathered. Over time, the brain replaces negative thought patterns with more positive and helpful ones. In other words, your mind shifts its focus more easily toward hope, contentment and happiness.
As with all good habits, developing a sense of gratitude requires some patience and time, and it is best to start with modest goals in mind.
Count your blessings Keeping a gratitude journal may seem like a new-age indulgence, but it works. The act of writing down what you are thankful for helps to reinforce it in your mind. It can include simple things like remembering your umbrella on a rainy day or appreciating the good service you received in a shop. Jotting down a few items each day will help you learn to accentuate the positive. Best of all, it can be hugely comforting to read back over your blessings when times are tough.
Find silver linings It is much harder to practise gratitude when a major setback upends your life. That was certainly true for me when I was diagnosed with a debilitating chronic illness in my twenties. Despite the many challenges, I also feel oddly blessed. My changed circumstances have led to a more rewarding work life, more time for rest and relaxation, and a move back to my beloved Central Coast hometown. Difficulties often remind us that there is always something, however small, to be glad about.
Run your own race Especially in the age of social media, it can be difficult to avoid comparing our lives with those of our family and friends. Try to remember that someone’s Facebook or Instagram feed is a heavily curated highlight reel; it is not real life. Instead of trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’, try to focus on what is important to you. Take a walk or meditate with those things in mind in moments when you are tempted to compare yourself negatively with somebody else.
Share the love Probably the most effective way to expand and strengthen the gratitude you feel is to share it with others. Write a letter, phone a friend, remember to say ‘thank you’ to people who have helped you or whom you love. Another fact of human nature is that we all like to feel seen and appreciated. It costs you nothing to give the gift of gratitude. What are you waiting for?
Adrienne Garside works for Iris Foundation, a charity that aims to reduce the risk of suicide on the Central Coast. The Foundation achieves this by facilitating and supporting awareness campaigns, programs and partnerships which enhance community connectedness and well-being. For more information, please visit: www.irisfoundation.org.au.
Welcome
Autumn
Ilove Autumn. It is such a great time of the year to be out in the garden.
The soil is still warm so if you plant now, plants have 6 months to establish before hot weather comes back next summer.
Not only is it a good time to plant but there is a great range to choose from as well as new season annuals and perennials coming into flower.
As well as lots of plants for your garden, indoor plants are another great option. Indoor plants are all the rage, improving air quality in your home. The more indoor plants you have, the better air quality will be.
WHAT’S HOT P eople planters – creative planters Canna Lillies – Great foliage Indo or plants – great range of indoor plants
BY VICKEY TAYLOR
PLANT ME NOW Bulbs – plant now to enjoy colour extravanganza in spring Succulents are tough and hardy – everyone should have at least one! Nati ve plants Sweetpeas – great colour during the cooler months and easy to grow from seeds or punnetts. Tradition says we plant them on St Patricks Day 17th March!
JOBS TO DO Feed lawns – feed lawns now to assist with recovering from hot dry summer Feed citrus – feed now to promote growth and keep them looking good and healthy over cooler months. Seaweed products – use seaweed products on your garden and new plants now to help them recover from Summer. This will also make them more tolerant of the cooler weather when it arrives.
The month of March is Garden Releaf where we proudly support Beyond Blue and we will be hosting a Garden workshop on “How to care for your Indoor Plant”. This will be on Tuesday 17th March @10.30am – gold coin donation is all that is required . We also have raffles with all proceeds going to Beyond Blue.
Vickey Taylor is the owner of Burbank House & Garden, Kincumber & Erina Heights. Phone 4368 2220
Café Burbank Located inside Burbank House and Garden Nursery at Kincumber, our cafe is open 7 days. TUESDAYS Senior Citizen’s receive 10% off full price plants and $8 coffee and cake deal Café Burbank the perfect spot for a coffee! Located inside Burbank House and Garden Nursery at Kincumber, our cafe is open 7 days. See over for our weekly specials.
