In one HeartMath® research study published in the Journal of Advancement in Medicine it was observed that just five minutes of genuinely feeling a positive emotion such as appreciation can provide a beneficial boost to the immune system.
Positive emotions like appreciation increase heart-rhythm coherence. Use these simple tips to help you boost your daily appreciation awareness.
#1 Summon the power of positive feelings.
Find a few photos that evoke feelings of appreciation. Place the photos in locations where you will see them during the day – in the car, on your desk, the bathroom mirror or your refrigerator.
When you see the photos pause for a moment and connect with the feeling of appreciation.
#2 Use blessing reminders.
While you’re building the habit of appreciating more often, try placing a sticky note in key locations or set an alarm on your cell phone. Reminding yourself to pause for a moment can help reconnect you with your heart intention.
During this short break, find something that you appreciate that took place that day, it can even be appreciating yourself for your commitment. This practice starts to increase your awareness of what’s happening in your life that is good.
#3 Keep a gratitude journal.
Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to write down a few things you are grateful for. It can be as simple as appreciating the person who held the door open for you.
The practice helps you see life more through the perspective of gratitude. Once you write your list, allow a couple minutes to focus on the genuine feeling of appreciation for the things on your list. Be consistent with the practice to get the most out of it.
