Today's post comes from a new series I have written to help people create health instead of fixing disease called an Apple a Day. If you want to sign up for this series please see the link at the bottom of this post.

I want you to start this month, and your day off right, so here is an easy win that will not only make you happier but healthier! Read on to find out how to develop a gratitude practice.
 
Happiness research overwhelmingly shows that gratitude is the #1 factor to happiness. We also know that happy people are more likely to be healthy people. That is why I spend a few minutes every day incorporating a few simple steps in order to have a gratitude practice:

• I take a few deep breaths and have a moment of gratitude. This is great to do first thing in the morning to greet your day OR before you eat your breakfast like I do. It reminds me of when I was a kid and we always said grace before our meals.
• I listen to guided meditations from Hay House Meditations. This is a podcast that you can download and listen to for FREE! There are various recordings that range in length (up to 30 minutes). Find ones that resonate with you. 

I started going to bed 30 minutes earlier and then getting up 30 minutes earlier every day just so I could fit this in.

***REMEMBER The key with meditation and mindfulness is CONSISTENCY not heroism. A daily 5-minute practice is much better than a weekly 30 minute session.***

• I write in a journal. This helps me start off the day on the right foot and set my intentions for the day. Currently I am using a journal called The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron and I write one page minimum a day. I also love the 5 Minute Journal. It is quick and simple so it makes it an easy win to get started. You can purchase The 5 Minute Journal or The Artist's Way journal at Chapters, Amazon.ca, or use something similar. 

I encourage you to pick one of these 3 steps to start with and then you can build from there. 

If you would like to sign up for my Apple a Day please use this link here:

https://mailchi.mp/quintenc/appleaday

Now I would love to hear from you! What is one thing you can do to encourage a gratitude practice in your life? Leave a comment below and I'll be back next week with another edition of Doctor as Teacher Tuesday!