Does gratitude improve health? Dr. TG Day, MD
Thanksgiving is a great time to remind us of being grateful. Does being grateful lead to being healthier? Scientific studies have shown that an attitude of gratitude can improve health by decreasing cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone that is released during stressful times.
- Increased cortisol levels can lead to suppressed immunity. When immunity is suppressed, it makes the body vulnerable to illnesses and diseases.
- Increased cortisol levels can increase blood sugar, and lead to Diabetes Mellitus, as well as kidney, eye, heart disease, leg and foot problems.
- Increased cortisol levels can lead to High blood pressure, which can cause heart disease and strokes.
- Increased cortisol levels can decrease the quality sleep. If the body is not getting enough sleep, it can lead to a decline in health.
Take time to give thanks daily to decrease your cortisol levels!
When we give thanks for the blessings that we have, we allow more blessings to flow to us. Being thankful is not about comparisons. It is about saying thank you, for example, for being alive, having oxygen to breath, and being able to think.
During this week of Thanksgiving, let’s practice daily gratitude. Each day, thank God for at least one thing, seven times during the day. Note how you feel at the end of each day.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” -I Thessalonians 5:18-
Be Fruitful and Multiply
“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it.” -Genesis 1:28-
Are you being fruitful in your life?
Are there dreams that you have that you haven’t pursued?
If you were at the end of your life, would you be satisfied with the life you’ve lived, or would you have many unfulfilled dreams?
These are questions that came to mind when I meditated on the above scripture. My answer, there are more dreams that I have to pursue!
Let me introduce myself. My name is Tomeka Gatling Day, MD.
At the age of 12, I experienced a life changing event.
My only brother became critically ill. He was a joyous 9 yo who became progressively lifeless. Over a short 3 day period, he went from being happy and energetic, to being bedridden and depleted of energy.
After my parents consulted with his doctor, we drove him to the local Emergency Room. Upon arrival, the triage nurse recognized the severity of his condition, and immediately took his vitals and consulted the physician.
He was promptly evaluated by the physician, and his condition was explained to us. His condition was consistent with acute appendicitis with suspected rupture. I remember being so scared, and clueless to what the physician was saying, but in the midst of all of this, I was also fascinated by the skills of the physician to know what was going on with my only brother, and the ability to help him get better.
He was emergently prepped for surgery. For two or so hours we prayed, cried, and waited. All I could think was, “I can’t lose my only brother. He has to get better.” I remember the surgeon coming out a few hours later, with the best news we could have received. He did well during the surgery, and he believed he would fully recover.
At that moment, I said, “I must help people when they are sick. I want to help people get well and be healthy. I want to be a doctor too!” So, through a lot of hard work, many difficulties, faith, and perseverance, this dream came true! I have practiced pediatric medicine for over a decade, and while this has been fulfilling, there are still other dreams that I must pursue.
I have always loved writing and I’ve been inspired by great writing. There is so much power in written words, and I want to help transform lives in this capacity. I want to help you reach your God-given purpose and have great health!
I believe excellent health is wholistic. It includes wholeness of the mind, body and spirit. I’ve invested in expanding my knowledge of nutrition by studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I believe that with my medical training, medical practice experience, nutritional knowledge, and God-given compassion, I can help you be the healthiest and fittest person you can be so that you are able to achieve all of your amazing dreams in this life.
Follow my weekly transformative posts. Let’s not delay the blooming and harvesting of your dreams. Let me help coach you to achieving excellent health.
Dr. TG Day, MD/ Physician/Health Coach