How Giving Helps Your Thyroid

November 26, 2017

As some of us move into a season where giving presents may be happening, which can come with complicated feelings, I wanted to share a practice that I sometimes recommend to my patients with chronic health issues:  29 Gifts.

The idea is to get out of our heads and practice generosity every day, for 29 days, by giving a gift to someone.  This does not have to be a physical gift!

It can be a hug, a prayer, a blessing.  It can be extra words of appreciation to a store clerk or your mail carrier or your friend.  It can be a genuine smile and Hello to someone next to you in line.

Other ideas include emailing or texting or actual letter writing someone a thank you note or an “I’m thinking of you” note.  Or leaving some extra lemons from your tree, or some flowers, or cookies, on your neighbor’s doorstep.  Anonymous or not.

You can gift cans of food at local food drives or shelters, or you can gift your time at any number of organizations that need help.  Offer to babysit or dog walk or ride share in your neighborhood.

The ideas are numerous and research has shown that this positively impacts our own health.  It helps others AND it helps you.

I found these health benefits associated with giving on the Cleveland Clinic’s website:

• Lower blood pressure
• Increased self-esteem
• Less depression
• Lower stress levels
• Longer life
• Greater happiness (feel-good hormones released in the brain)

All of these absolutely contribute to improved immune system functioning – your essential daily giving vitamin!

So shall we do it together?  Shall we spread the love and good chi around?  If you do it, I’d love to hear how it goes for you.

I’m inspired to do my own version of 29 Gifts – for you.  Starting soon I’ll be sending a daily gift to your email box, for 29 days.  I’m thinking various kinds of health tips, prayers and blessings, poems, beautiful photographs, maybe a recipe or two…whatever inspires. I’m looking forward to taking my “daily giving vitamin” 🙂  If you’re not on my list yet, and want to be included, click here to sign up.

Love,

Colleen