In lieu of the holiday season, Olivo Amigo would like to share a core part of our brand that we think helps us get through all the good and bad times: Gratitude. The concept of gratitude goes far beyond ‘just being grateful’ for what you have. It is not a game of comparison or feeling greater than or less than, it is a way of being present in your life and cultivating good energy. 

From a mental health standpoint, holidays can be hard for people for a number of reasons. The amount of get-togethers, planning events, colder weather, and even when it gets darker earlier, can affect anyone in a negative way. According to a Harvard Study, showing gratitude can help alleviate these negative symptoms. The study also touches on the versatility of showing gratitude, meaning that you can apply the practice of gratitude to the past, the present or the future. 

Past: Looking back at an event that you may at first associate negative memories or emotions to. Through the lens of gratitude, you can change the way you see this situation.

Present: Not taking for granted what you currently have in front of you. This will help you focus on good things and abundance in life rather than what you do not have. 

Future: Going into future situations with the predisposition that things will already go well and you will already benefit regardless of the outcome.

 
Two more amazing benefits of showing gratitude are that it helps you feel more abundant and you are radiating good energy which will then return to you. In regards to abundance, focusing on what you do not have can make you feel down and more likely to compare yourself to unattainable expectations. Showing and sharing that you are grateful for what you have puts good energy into the universe, which will always eventually get back to you. 

Well-known psychologist Robert Emmons curated a great list of the physical, mental, and social benefits of gratitude: 

Physical

• Stronger immune systems
• Less bothered by aches and pains
• Lower blood pressure
• Exercise more and take better care of their health
• Sleep longer and feel more refreshed upon waking

Psychological

• Higher levels of positive emotions
• More alert, alive, and awake
• More joy and pleasure
• More optimism and happiness

Social

• More helpful, generous, and compassionate
• More forgiving
• More outgoing
• Feel less lonely and isolated.

Regardless of what your plans this season may be, we hope that you are able to reflect on the goodness that is always around you. Let us know what you are thankful for on our Instagram @yourolivoamigo. 

Resources: 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_gratitude_is_good