Health Awareness

The Power of Giving Thanks

Looking for a good way to boost your health this week; try giving thanks! There are many physical and mental health benefits by just showing gratitude and giving thanks. And, with Thanksgiving only a couple of days away, this is the perfect time to express gratitude.
Physically, expressing gratitude may help you sleep better. Studies show that people who engage in gratitude activities sleep better, longer and feel more refreshed. In some studies, expressing gratitude may also lead to fewer aches and pains, such as fewer headaches and stomachaches. 
Gratitude is also very beneficial to our mental health. Gratitude creates more positive emotions, helps us relish good experiences and build stronger relationships with others. Being more grateful can build our self-esteem; it helps us focus on what we have and not on what we don’t have. Expressing gratitude may also help reduce stress, anxiety and depression; and, it may help us overcome trauma.
Since Thanksgiving is this week, try to find different ways that you can express gratitude in your life. Even if this year's Thanksgiving may be different than in the past, we can still find reasons to be thankful. Here are a few suggestions for gratitude activities that you may find helpful.​​

• Keep a daily gratitude journal and jot down a few things that you are grateful for each day.
• Send a text to a family member or friend expressing your gratitude for them.
• Send a thank you note through the mail. This tangible note could help brighten someone’s day.
• Simply show gratitude to those around you, such as coworkers or maybe the cashier at a store, by saying “thank you” often.
• Think about gratitude. Turn your negative thoughts into positive ones by silently expressing gratitude and thinking about what you are thankful for.

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Sources and additional reading material:
Greater Good Magazine
Harvard Health Publishing
USC News
​Forbes