Having the right mindset and controlling mental stress is the key to a healthy and successful life. Everyone knows this, but few are able to do it.

One practice I have found very helpful in controlling stress, is to practice gratitude. Stress is not an event; it is how you interpret the event that makes all the difference. In all situations, focus on the good. Every morning take a few minutes and write down any event or person you are grateful for.

Be specific, if you are grateful for your spouse, what characteristics are you grateful for? His/her compassion, sense of humor, work ethic, etc… If you are grateful for weather, what aspects are you grateful for? For example, you could say a beautiful sunset.

By focusing on this specific event or characteristic, your mind focuses on it and it becomes more important than other events in your life that may be more challenging.

When my best friend passed away, I was 19 years old. It was summer time and I spent most of that following week in bed. Then the night before his funeral, I stopped focusing on all the events and experiences he would no longer be a part of, and I started to focus on all the amazing memories we had. All the laughter, games of basketball and all the attributes he had that made him an amazing friend.

It did not take the pain away, but it was not so severe and crippling. It helped me focus on the joy and on living a life that would honor his memory.

Life can always be better, and it can always be worse, but find the strength to focus on your blessings, no matter how small. I think you will find that the stress weakens and the joy in your life grows and the health reward for that is enormous.

Take charge of your health!