Attitude of Gratitude

As Thanksgiving approaches at a rapid pace, we should be aware, even if it is somewhere in the back of our mind, that there are many things we ought to be grateful for. In our current world, this may be a difficult notion as consumerism is at its peak. Materialism in society makes many focus on what they do not have. The thought of not having what you desire is at the forefront for people which can, and often does, translate into emptiness.

Rather than putting your energy towards these things, shift your focus to gratitude. Practicing gratitude can boost your mood and therefore increase your mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. It is important to be happy, to be grateful for what you have in life, and not worry about what you do not. As the Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca states, “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing.”

Not only is it a great exercise to practice gratitude for what you have, but also to show gratitude towards others. Showing appreciation for others and their actions not only strengthens your relationship, but also becomes a positive habit as you continue to do so.

Today, I want to take this opportunity to say Thank You to those organizations at the forefront of the Kidney and Transplant Communities that are there for so many. I am incredibly grateful for AAKP (American Association of Kidney Patients) aakp.org, AKF (American Kidney Fund) kidneyfund.org, LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency) lopa.org, NKF (National Kidney Foundation) kidney.org, and UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) unos.org. From raising awareness to education, research, and advocacy, these groups have helped and continue to help countless patients, caregivers, and families through their journeys.

As I have mentioned in previous articles of A Kidney Life, having a support system and access to resources are vital tools when navigating through life with a chronic illness. These groups provide exactly that. If you are not familiar with them or what they do, I encourage you to click on their respective links above.

A Healthy Bite

Ginger

Ginger, native to Asia, has been used in cooking for over 4,000 years. It has a long history of herbal use in Arabic, Asian, and Indian traditions including its use for the treatment of arthritis, diarrhea, and heart conditions. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound found in ginger and responsible for many of its healing elements. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of gingerol make ginger one of the healthiest foods you can have.

Benefits of ginger include:

• Nausea relief

• Bloating and gas relief

• Improved digestion

• Improves immunity

• Healthier skin

• Weight loss aid

• Improves brain function

According to an article from Mount Sinai, ginger may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications including:

• Blood Thinning Medications

• Diabetes Medications

• High Blood Pressure Medications

Please speak to your doctor before using ginger as a part of your diet.

Mental Health Moment

According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people who took part in a survey said their level of stress increased during the holiday season. This can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given included lack of time, gift giving, financial pressures, and family gatherings.

An article from McLean Hospital shares “6 Signs You May Be Struggling Around The Holidays” which identifies six common issues that come up this time of year.

1. You are Lacking the “Holiday Spirit” - Being surrounded by cheeriness can be stigmatizing when you do not feel the same level of enthusiasm as others.

2. You are Overwhelmed by Grief and Loss - If you are living with grief, loss, trauma, or loneliness, it can be easy to compare you situation with those of others.

3. You are Feeling Pressure to Participate in Activities — and Want No Part of Them - We all have our own personal history with holidays. We dream about the way they are supposed to be, and this can be a dangerous perspective.

4. You are Stressed About Giving Gifts - We can feel stressed about spending on a strained budget or trying to find the right gift.

5. There is Not as Much Sunlight At All, and it is Affecting Your Mood - Less exposure to natural light can contribute to new or increased symptoms of depression.

6. You Are Feeling Alone or Isolated - If you are predisposed to depression or anxiety, it can be especially hard to reach out to others.

For the full article, which includes helpful advice on ways to manage these issues, please go to: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/mcleans-guide-managing-mental-health-around-holidays

Please remember, I am not a medical professional, nor is any of this medical advice. I am just out here living A Kidney Life.