Be Thankful for the Health Benefits of Gratitude
It’s Thanksgiving long weekend once again, a wonderful time to slow down and share good food with loved ones. It’s also a great time to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. Recent studies have shown that expressing gratitude has several health benefits including:
- Decreased stress levels
- Increased feelings of happiness
- A more positive outlook on life
- Better ability to cope with difficult times including traumatic experiences
- Improved immune system function
- Fewer visits to the doctor
- An increase in other health-promoting behaviours like exercise and healthy eating
Here are some simple ways you can start expressing gratitude & improve your health this Thanksgiving:
- Start a gratitude journal: Write 3 things you are thankful for every morning or night for 1 month.
- Write a thank you note to someone. It could be for something big or small, something recent or from far in the past. Consider mailing it or even hand-delivering it to them with a hug.
- Share one thing you are thankful for with your significant other, every day.
Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to you & your loved ones,
Odette Bulaong, ND