Thanksgiving comes to the U.S. just once a year, yet there are year-round benefits to being grateful. Research has repeatedly shown that grateful people are healthier and happier than those who don’t express gratitude. That’s enough to make anyone want to shout “thank you” from the rooftops. But in lieu of that — we have a lot of tile roofing here in California, it’s a bit precarious to climb on — FreeConferenceCall.com is celebrating Thanksgiving by shining our proverbial light on the benefits of adopting that attitude of gratitude. Here’s why being grateful this Thanksgiving and beyond is good for you:
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Improves Attitude: Expressing gratitude makes you feel more positive and optimistic, which reduces stress and helps improve overall mental fortitude. Tip: A little grumpy? Force yourself to half-smile. Even the ghost of a smile releases endorphins, so faking it will actually feel like making it.
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Increases Energy Levels: Gratitude and vitality are strongly correlated — grateful people being much more likely to report physical and mental vigor. That’s extra important when combatting all the tryptophan in your turkey dinner.
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Improves Mental Health: Happiness is healthy, folks. The next time you feel upset or frustrated, write down what you’re thankful for. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, reported that this exercise helps you find balance as you process emotions and may even reduce depression. Taking stock of the good stuff also makes you less likely to compare yourself to other people.
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Enhances Physical Health: It’s not just that grateful people exercise more frequently and visit the doctor for annual checkups. They also report feeling healthier as well.
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Promotes Better Sleep: Jotting down what you’re thankful for each day boosts your mood and reduces stress, which can help you sleep better at night. Tip: Keep a notebook by your bed and counter your worries with gratitude for what’s going well.
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Increases Empathy: Gratitude may make you more sensitive toward other people’s feelings. Studies show grateful people are less likely to resort to retaliation when they experience negativity from others.
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Builds Stronger Relationships: In the same vein, a simple ‘thank you’ lays the groundwork for a stronger relationship — whether expressing gratitude to a loved one or a stranger. Use FreeConferenceCall.com to connect with a distant friend or family member and say thanks. It’s an easy way to acknowledge someone for their efforts and make them feel special.
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Spreads Happiness: Gratitude positively impacts your overall well-being, making you happier and more satisfied with your life. It doesn’t get better than that.
