Have you ever asked yourself this question, especially after making a comment or taking an action that didn’t quite fit the situation?
Maybe something slipped out, or you reacted impulsively, and then you thought, "What on earth was I thinking?"
At moments like these, the instinct is often to call for a "Mulligan" or wish for a "Do Over."
But have you ever taken a step back and thought about why you reacted the way you did? What led you to that response in the first place?
More often than not, we brush it off with a quick, "Oh well," and move on.
But as we approach the season of giving and reflection, it’s worth considering the bigger picture—especially when it comes to how we treat others and ourselves.
This time of year, we’re often reminded of what truly matters, both through the gifts we give and the connections we cherish.
Christmas movies, with their themes of redemption and reflection, remind us of the importance of our words and actions.
A Christmas Carol, for example: Ebenezer Scrooge’s life was narrow and self-centered, with little concern for how his words and actions affected others.
It wasn’t until the ghost of his former partner and the visits from the three spirits forced him to see the consequences of his choices that he changed his perspective—and in turn, his life.
So, how does all of this tie into health?
It turns out that love and generosity have far more influence on our well-being than we might think.
Research shows that positive emotions—like love, compassion, and generosity—have a direct impact on our immune system and overall health.
Benefits of Love: (1)
Increases life expectancy
Supports heart health
Reduces depression, anxiety, and stress
Lowers blood pressure
Improves sleep quality
Eases pain
Supports gut health
Benefits of Generosity: (2)
Supports heart health
Decreases mortality
Boosts energy
Elevates mood
Lowers the risk of depression and anxiety
Improves social skills
Wait—did you see that? Love benefits your gut?!
Yep, it’s true! A healthy gut can lead to a happier person.
Why? Because 70-80% of our immune system resides in our gut.
And more surprisingly, the gut is where important neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are synthesized—chemicals that play critical roles in our mood, memory, learning, and sleep. (3)
If you’re curious about the connection between your gut and brain, I’ve written a blog that explores this relationship in more detail. The state of your microbiome doesn’t just affect digestion—it influences how you think, feel, and respond to the world around you.
So, next time you ask yourself, What was I thinking?, pause and consider: What’s going on in your gut? What thoughts are you feeding it?
Because your health, mood, and perspective may be more connected to your inner world than you realize.
What’s your mindset today? What do you focus on—and how is that affecting your health?
If you would like to explore this connection more, reach out and schedule a Complimentary Consultation here:
I look forward to meeting with you!
(2) https://www.anthemeap.com/learn/emotional-wellness/personal-growth/articles/benefits-of-generosity
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