Free Gratitude Workshop

This complimentary gratitude workshop welcomes the community to join and get a feel for what a session at Zen Bend Yoga is like. These workshops are usually 2 hours, but this free offering will be 1 hour. The workshop is being held 23 November 2025 at 10:15 am. In the fall and winter seasons, many people often have a difficult time due to the shorter days and longer nights. We definitely need our sunlight, but when there is less sunlight, there are ways to stay light from within. First, is through nutrition to ensure our bodies are getting what they need to stay regulated. And next is the mind + body.

This gratitude workshop weaves breath-work, meditation, movement and education on other mindfulness practices that will support your mental and physical health through this season. I've hosted a few gratitude workshops in the past, and the practice of gratitude is truly transformational.

Mental & emotional benefits

• Regular gratitude practices (such as journaling or writing gratitude letters) are associated with higher life satisfaction, improved mood, and lower symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Gratitude shifts attention away from what’s lacking to what’s already present — reducing negativity bias and helping build resilience.

• It strengthens social bonds: by acknowledging others’ kindness or support, gratitude helps us feel more connected/less lonely.

Physical & physiological benefits

• Gratitude is linked with better cardiovascular indicators (i.e. lower blood pressure) and improved heart-health markers.

• It may improve sleep quality: people with more gratitude have fewer intrusive thoughts before bed, better rest.

• Several studies show gratitude correlates with healthier behaviors: more exercise, better diet, less smoking.

What it does in the brain & nervous system

• Gratitude activates brain regions associated with reward (dopamine/serotonin pathways), emotional regulation, and social connection.

• It helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest) which counteracts chronic stress responses.

You can reserve your spot to attend this free gratitude workshop at www.zenbendyoga.com

Zen Bend Yoga is located at The Emerald Nook

1797 Jeff Road Suite F

Huntsville 35806

We can't wait to see you on the mat!

Resources

• Greater Good Science Center (University of California, Berkeley) “Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude” initiative. Greater Good Science Center

• UCLA Health article: “Health benefits of gratitude.” UCLA Health

• Stanford Lifestyle Medicine: “Gratitude and Purpose” overview. Lifestyle Medicine

• Indian Journal of Psychological Science: systematic review of gratitude and wellbeing. NAPS India