By Britt Turpack, mental health keynote speaker and pilates instructor
With the autumn seasonal change upon us, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on one of the most transformative practices I’ve embraced—gratitude. I’ve come to realize that gratitude is more than just something we express at the dinner table during the holidays. It’s a daily practice that has the power to shift our mental and emotional well-being in profound ways.
I always say exercising the practice of gratitude is like an exercise in the perspective muscle. We're "working out” just like we work out our bodies — our physical muscles — our way of seeing the world around us. Our perspective. Our view on our current circumstances.
Why? Because gratitude, when practiced regularly, is one of the simplest and most effective tools for mental wellness. I’ve seen it in my own life and in the lives of so many people I’ve worked with.
Gratitude is easy to practice when things are going well in life and kind of a bitch (excuse my language) when things are NOT going well. However, gratitude has been my ultimate lifeline in the worst situations, allowing me to see not only what is working but how even the toughest situations can help me expand into a greater version of myself. Truthfully the only way I am able to see this is because I practice gratitude on a regular basis!
When we take time to focus on what we are grateful for, it can help calm anxious thoughts, shift negative mindsets, and build resilience. This practice reminds us of what’s good in our lives, even on days when it feels hard to see.
Research even shows that practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, increase feelings of happiness, and improve sleep. When we focus on what we appreciate, we activate positive emotions and rewire our brains for joy and contentment.
It’s incredible to think that something as simple as writing down three things we’re thankful for can start to reshape our mental landscape.
For me, it’s the small moments — like the peacefulness of a morning walk, the ability to do work that I love, the support of friends and family, or even just a great cup of coffee — that ground me. It doesn’t have to be big or grand, but taking a few moments each day to reflect on what’s good has helped me maintain a sense of balance, especially when life gets overwhelming.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to think about what you’re grateful for, and maybe even try building a regular gratitude practice. Start small — whether it’s writing in a journal, sharing what you’re thankful for with a loved one, or simply reflecting for a few quiet moments at the end of your day. Over time, this simple act will nurture your mental well-being and help you feel more connected, not just to the people and things around you, but to yourself.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with the LivOn Labs community and for the ongoing journey we’re on to prioritize health and wellness. Together, let’s make gratitude not just a seasonal tradition, but a year-round commitment to ourselves.
With love and gratitude,
Britt Turpack
Gratitude Journaling Prompts
- Reflect on three things you are grateful for today — big or small.
- How do these things make you feel, and how might focusing on them shift your mindset or perspective?
- Write about how practicing gratitude can improve your mental well-being in the long term.
Britt Turpack is a passionate advocate for mental health and well-being. Through her work as a keynote speaker, mental health educator and certified pilates teacher, Britt inspires individuals to prioritize self-care and embrace proactive wellness. She is always so grateful to partner with LivOn Labs to promote a preventive approach to health and empower others to live their healthiest lives.
Learn more about Britt here.
Follow her on Instagram @brittlovessmoothies.
Keep up with her blog.
Britt's credentials:
- NAMI Representative (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Peer Support Certified under NAMI
- 500 hour certified yoga teacher
- Lagree Certified Mat Pilates
- Certified Life Coaching Certification Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
