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Weekly Wellness: 3 reasons you should practice gratitude | Martina Wall


Gratitude is something that always comes to the forefront of peoples minds this time of year...but how many of us practice being grateful all throughout the year?

The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. When we practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things we're thankful for allows us to experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. We dont need to save gratitude for only momentous occasions: Sure, you might express gratitude after receiving a promotion at work, but you can also be thankful for something as simple as a delicious piece of cake. I have been keeping a gratitude journal for the past couple years—I regularly write brief reflections on moments for which I'm grateful for - and I have noticed a big shift in how I show up for my life.  But I know what your thinking...this motivation lasts about three days until writing down gratitudes every evening loses out to watching Netflix. 

Here are a few things I’ve discovered that help not only to start a gratitude practice, but to make it a part of your routine. 

1. Freshen Up Your Thanks 
Notice new things you’re grateful for every day. Gratitude journaling works because it slowly changes the way we perceive situations by adjusting what we focus on. While you might always be thankful for your great family, just writing “I’m grateful for my family” week after week doesn’t keep your brain on alert for fresh grateful moments. Get specific by writing “Today my husband brought me breakfast and coffee in bed when he knew I needed to rest” or "My friend invited me over for dinner so I didn't have to cook after a long day." And be sure to stretch yourself beyond the great stuff right in front of you. Opening your eyes to more of the world around you can deeply enhance your gratitude practice. Make a game out of noticing new things each day.

2. Get Real About Your Gratitude Practice 
Being excited about the benefits of gratitude can be a great thing because it gives us the kick we need to start making changes. But if our excitement about sleeping better because of our newfound gratitude keeps us from anticipating how tired we’ll be tomorrow night when we attempt to journal, we’re likely to lose focus. When we want to achieve a goal, using the technique of mental contrasting—being optimistic about the benefits of a new habit while also being realistic about how difficult building the habit may be – leads us to exert more effort. Recognize and plan for the obstacles that may get in the way. For instance, if you tend to be exhausted at night, accept that it might not be the best time to focus for a few extra minutes and schedule your gratitude in the morning instead.

3. Make Thankfulness Fun By Mixing It Up 
Don’t limit yourself—if journaling is feeling stale, try out new and creative ways to track your grateful practices. Maybe create a gratitude jar. Any time you experience a moment of gratitude, write it on a piece of paper and put it in a jar. On New Year’s Eve, empty the jar and review everything you wrote. When a good thing happens, “That’s one for the gratitude jar!” It immediately makes the moment more meaningful and keeps you on the lookout for more.

Want to learn more about how gratitude can re-wire your brain and help you to love your imperfectly perfect self? Want to gain gratitude for your body and all that it does for you without losing a pound? Lets find your magic in my 8 week program. 
Want to join my free group where women empower eachother to love their imperfectly perfect selves just the way they are in this moment?

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Meet Martina

 
Disrupting Diet Culture. Connecting women back to their bodies. Confident women = confident families!

After going on her own journey from self-hate to self acceptance, and finally self-love...Martina is now empowering women to accept + respect their bodies with her proven method that disrupting diet culture...even if they think weightloss is the only answer to happiness.  Here is her story...

I hated my body despite of losing weight. At one point I had lost almost 100 lbs...but guess what? I Still felt the same way about my body. Never feeling good enough or worthy of love and affection. I remember looking in the mirror one day realizing that I hated myself just as much as I did 100 lbs heavier. I was devastated. My relationships were suffering due to my own lack of self-love. I felt sadness. I felt anger. I felt hopeless. But then this happened...

I went to my first Yoga class. A form of movement I never thought I was worthy of attending. I literally felt like I was going to look like a beached whale on a yoga mat. Everyone would judge me. I couldn't bare the embarrassment. Despite of my negative thoughts...I attended my first class. Life changed for me that day. I felt like I connected to my body for the first time. It felt peaceful. It felt freeing. It felt like home. Shortly after my first class I got certified to teach & have never looked back. 

 I still had a lot to work on in regards to self love, self growth & self worth. I have worked hard on this with a lot of self care, personal development, coaching, yoga, journaling, crystals & using natural products that support my mental and emotional health. I can actually say that I now accept and respect my body. Some days I even love my body!

I strive to love my imperfectly perfect self & empower others to do the same. I want those who dont feel like they fit in to feel like they have a tribe to call their own. Only 4% of women see themselves as beautiful and I am here to change that! I believe that as we become confident women we are raising confident families! 

The change starts with you. Self-Love can be achieved at any size & my proven method will transform the way you look at yourself in the mirror. I can't wait to see you shine!


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