Please read on for a reflection from our very own Dr Olaleye, about feeling grateful.

Yours Gratefully, by Dr Olaleye

I read with utter amazement the good reviews we have received at St Wulfstan surgery and nothing but gratitude wells up inside me. I am fully appreciative to be working with a great team of people with a united purpose. I am truly grateful to see how the work we do is received within the community. It fills my heart with joy when I hear about the changes that happen because someone from our team took time to listen or sort out a problem on the phone.

This article is about being Grateful.

Being Grateful is a habit that encourages positive emotion, it builds up our emotional wellness and resilience. Just as we build on our physical health through exercise, eating healthy, sleeping well, and avoiding harmful substances. It is important to create habits that build our emotional and mental health. A heart full of gratitude is good medicine to the soul.

Some studies show that a tendency towards positivity increases our resilience.

It is not unusual for negative emotions or feelings to creep up when we begin to feel grateful.

These can be quite strong and overwhelming. However, if you can worry, you can meditate.

You can choose to turn worry thoughts into opportunities to meditate on things you are grateful for.

Here are 4 good reasons why:

- Gratitude helps reduce the overwhelming feelings of negativity around you.

- Gratitude helps with problem solving as your brain is more receptive towards solutions.

- Gratitude is contagious, so you get to be surrounded by people who enhance your positivity.

- Gratitude helps adopt an abundant mindset.

Why don't you start your gratitude journal today, perhaps just before you sleep or once you wake up.

I am truly grateful to be a part of an excellent hardworking team at St Wulfstan surgery.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr Jaiye Olaleye.