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Let’s be honest: when you’re exhausted, under-resourced, and working in a system that keeps asking for more… gratitude can feel like a stretch.

In this episode, we’re talking about gratitude—but not the fluffy, bypass-y kind that tells you to “just be thankful” while everything burns down. We’re talking about real gratitude: the kind that helps regulate your nervous system, protect your mental health, and increase resilience without denying how hard things are.

If you’ve ever had a patient thank you—and felt nothing but resentment, numbness, or exhaustion—this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore

• Why gratitude is not the same as toxic positivity
• How burnout can make it impossible to receive gratitude—even when it’s offered
• The thought–feeling–action loop and how gratitude fits into it
• Why forced gratitude doesn’t work (and what does)
• How small, honest gratitude practices can reduce stress physiology
• The science linking gratitude to better mental health, cardiovascular outcomes, and even longevity
• Why gratitude works best when layered with sleep, rest, movement, nutrition, and boundaries

We also talk about what to do if you’re too burned out for gratitude—and why that’s not a personal failure.

The science we reference:

• https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijda/international-journal-of-depression-and-anxiety-ijda-4-024.php?jid=ijda
• https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude
• https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2820770
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gratitude-enhances-health-brings-happiness-and-may-even-lengthen-lives-202409113071

This episode is part of our 10-Week Stress Reduction Challenge for Women Physicians—and this week’s focus is learning how to experience gratitude in a way that actually supports your health.

🎧 Listen in, then ask yourself:
here could a little more honest gratitude make my day feel lighter—without asking me to pretend?

Let's Connect

Need more support? Schedule a coaching consultation at https://calendly.com/healthierforgood/coaching-discovery-call

Connect with us:

• Website: healthierforgood.com
• Email: megan@healthierforgood.com
• Instagram: @meganmelomd

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with a colleague who might benefit!

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: megan@healthierforgood.com

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD