Gratitude is the New Superpower: Boost Your Immunity and Sleep with a Thankful Heart
By A.L. Childers, Wellness Blogger and Hypothyroidism Advocate
Let’s face it—there are times when feeling grateful is the last thing on your mind. After all, our brains are wired to solve problems, not count blessings. But what if I told you that the simple act of practicing gratitude can do wonders for your mental and physical health? Yep, science says so! Not only does gratitude improve your mood and reduce anxiety, but it can also boost your immune system, help you sleep better, and even lower your risk of chronic illness.
I know what you’re thinking—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, let’s dive into the science behind it and why this matters, especially if you’re battling hypothyroidism like me.
Why Gratitude Is Your Hypothyroidism Secret Weapon
When you’re dealing with hypothyroidism, you know it’s more than just a sluggish thyroid. Fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, weight gain—it’s like living in a body that feels perpetually out of sync. While there’s no magic pill to make it all disappear, there are some tools you can use to take back control, and gratitude is one of them.
As Amanda Logan, APRN, C.N.P., points out in the Mayo Clinic’s Speaking of Health series: “Behavior changes biology.” In other words, what we do and how we think can physically change how our bodies function. For those of us with hypothyroidism, gratitude can help us get out of the cycle of stress and fatigue, making it easier to support our immune system and get the sleep our bodies desperately need.
The Science of Gratitude and Immunity
In a fascinating study published in Emotion magazine, researchers explored how gratitude affects the immune system. Sixty-one women participated in the study, half of whom were asked to practice gratitude daily. At the end of the six weeks, those who actively practiced gratitude engaged more in supportive care for others. What’s more interesting is that their blood work showed better immune function. Specifically, they had lower levels of interleukin 6, an inflammatory marker linked to chronic diseases .
How does this connect to hypothyroidism? Well, hypothyroidism often comes with inflammation and a compromised immune system. Practicing gratitude might not only help reduce stress but could potentially lower inflammation, giving your thyroid a fighting chance to work more effectively.
Gratitude for Better Sleep? Yes, Please!
Let’s be honest, hypothyroidism and restful sleep are not best friends. Between night sweats, anxiety, and general discomfort, it can feel like good sleep is a myth. But here’s where gratitude comes in.
In a study of 401 participants (40% of whom had clinical sleep disorders), those who practiced gratitude reported falling asleep faster, sleeping longer, and feeling more refreshed in the morning. Why? Because gratitude helps eliminate those pesky negative thoughts that keep you tossing and turning at night. Instead of worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list, you go to bed feeling content and calm . And trust me, when you have hypothyroidism, a good night’s sleep is everything.
Simple Ways to Add Gratitude to Your Daily Life
Now that we know how powerful gratitude can be for both your immunity and sleep, let’s talk about some easy ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Gratitude Journal: Each morning and night, jot down three things you’re thankful for. This simple habit can shift your mindset and help you focus on the positive.
- Subtraction Method: Not feeling particularly thankful? Try the subtraction method—imagine your life without something or someone you love, then reflect on how much they truly mean to you. It’s a great way to feel more appreciative.
- Morning Gratitude: As soon as you wake up, think of someone you’re grateful for and send them a kind message, text, or note. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way, both for your well-being and theirs.
- Daily Reflection: Each day, ask yourself, “How do I want to live today? In a rush, taking everything for granted, or with appreciation and contentment?” Choose gratitude!
A Holistic Approach to Supercharging Your Immune System
While gratitude can do wonders, it sometimes needs a little backup, especially when dealing with hypothyroidism. That’s where plant-based solutions and holistic practices come in.
If you need extra support with stress, sleep, and immunity, consider incorporating herbal blends into your routine. Here’s what I recommend:
- Anxiety & Stress Blend: This blend helps your body adapt to stress, calm your nervous system, and improve cognitive function. It’s perfect for those moments when anxiety gets in the way of a restful night’s sleep.
- Eastern Immune Blend: This powerhouse combo of Chinese skullcap, Japanese honeysuckle, and cordyceps mushroom can support immune function, reduce inflammation, and even help with viral infections.
- Sleep Blend: Formulated with valerian root, hops, chamomile, and passionflower, this blend helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Plus, it works wonders for managing menopause-related sleep disturbances.
Thyroid-Friendly Recipes to Boost Immunity
While you’re practicing gratitude and working on sleep, don’t forget that your diet plays a huge role in thyroid health. Here are a couple of my favorite thyroid-friendly recipes:
Healing Bone Broth
- 2 pounds of grass-fed bones (beef or chicken)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a slow cooker, cover with water, and cook on low for 24 hours. Strain and sip on this nutrient-rich broth throughout the day to support your gut, thyroid, and immune system.
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 banana
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy! Turmeric and cinnamon help reduce inflammation, while coconut oil supports thyroid function.
Call to Action: Start Your Journey to Better Health Today!
Are you ready to supercharge your immunity and sleep while managing your hypothyroidism? It all starts with gratitude, the right nutrition, and some holistic support. For more tips, recipes, and guidance on living your best thyroid-friendly life, check out my book “A Survivor’s Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism’s Booty.” It’s packed with the tools you need to start feeling strong, confident, and beautiful again.
About the Author
A.L. Childers is a wellness blogger, author, and thyroid advocate who has spent years navigating the challenges of hypothyroidism. Through her books and blogs, she shares practical tips and holistic solutions to help others reclaim their health and vitality. You can find her books on Amazon and connect with her on social media for daily inspiration and thyroid-friendly living.
Let’s kick hypothyroidism’s booty together—one day (and one thank-you) at a time!
Let’s walk this path together, laugh along the way, and kick hypothyroidism’s booty once and for all!
About the Author
A.L. Childers is a wellness advocate, author, and thyroid warrior who has battled hypothyroidism for years. She has dedicated her life to helping others regain their health, confidence, and vitality. Through her books and blog, she offers practical advice, healthy recipes, and lifestyle tips that empower others to take control of their thyroid health. You can find her books on Amazon and follow her on social media for daily inspiration and thyroid-friendly living tips.
About the Author
A.L. Childers is a wellness advocate, thyroid warrior, and the author behind multiple best-selling books on hypothyroidism. After years of battling thyroid issues herself, she dedicated her life to sharing practical tips, delicious recipes, and lifestyle changes that truly work. Through her books and blog, she aims to empower others to take control of their health and kick hypothyroidism’s booty—one meal at a time. You can find her books on Amazon and connect with her on social media for daily tips and thyroid-friendly recipes.
Visit my About the author to explore more books that can support your health journey, and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for exclusive tips and updates!
Recommended Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into wellness, managing thyroid health, and understanding the importance of holistic nutrition, I recommend the following books:
Take the first step to a healthier you. Get your copy now and transform your thyroid health for good.
Secrets to my Hypothyroidism Success:: A Personal Guide to Hypothyroidism Freedom
Living Stronger: Overcoming Hypothyroidism Challenges
Reset Your Thyroid: 21-day Meal Plan to Reset Your Thyroid
What the F#@%, Hypothyroidism?: Why your thyroid is conspiring against you
Hashimoto’s Crock-pot Recipes: Added bonus: How I put my Hashimoto’s into Remission
The Best Little Hypothyroidism Autumn CookBook
About the Author: A.L. Childers
A.L. Childers is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and personal empowerment, drawing from her own experiences as a researcher, journalist, and someone who has personally navigated the challenges of thyroid disorders and autoimmune conditions. With over 200 books to her name, A.L. Childers has written extensively on topics ranging from holistic healing, autoimmune wellness, and thyroid health to more creative and lighthearted topics like children’s coloring books and cookbooks for pets. Her diverse range of expertise and unique perspective resonates deeply with readers seeking practical, actionable advice to improve their lives.
A.L. Childers’s books stand out because they offer more than just information—they provide a compassionate, relatable voice that empowers readers to take control of their health, happiness, and future. Each book is crafted with care, backed by research, and filled with personal insights, making complex topics easy to understand and apply. Whether you’re struggling with a chronic condition or simply seeking better health and vitality, her books are designed to guide you toward transformation and wellness.
Why should you purchase one of her books? Because they are not only educational, but also transformative. With A.L. Childers’s guidance, you can heal your body, strengthen your immune system, and rediscover your energy—all while feeling supported by someone who truly understands the journey.
Take action now—explore A.L. Childers’s collection and start your journey to better health and wellness today!
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Get ready to dive into the vibrant and eclectic world of Audrey Childers, the author who’s written something for absolutely everyone! With over 200 books under her belt—ranging from playful coloring books to thought-provoking self-help guides, spellbinding fantasy novels, and everything in between—Audrey has crafted a literary collection for every age and stage of life.
As the creative force behind TheHypothyroidismChick.com, she’s also a passionate advocate for health and wellness, sharing her own tips and insights on living well with hypothyroidism. But Audrey doesn’t stop there. She’s a mom, a voice for optimal human health, a blogger, a freelance journalist, and an entrepreneur who’s spent over a decade fine-tuning her craft in research and editorial writing.
Want to uncover her latest bestsellers? Some of her most popular works include “A Survivor’s Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism Booty,” “Reset Your Thyroid,” and the biting satire, “The Plague of Overeducated Dumb People.” But there’s so much more! Click the many links “About the Author” to check out her incredible range of books—you won’t regret it!
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Disclaimer
The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health. The highlighted links are affiliate links in my blogs.
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