Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings and be thankful for what we have, but did you know that thankfulness brings good health?
Gratitude, the state of being grateful or thankful, has actually proven to help heal our bodies. This surprising healing tool can help you physically and psychologically.
Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, has been researching the impact that gratitude has on one’s physical and mental health. “Positive psychology” is what this discovery have been termed.
These studies found that “people who practice gratitude on a daily basis, are actually healthier than people who do not practice gratefulness”. Those who often stop and recognize what they are grateful for have lower blood pressure, better immune functioning, and an improvement in overall well-being. A positive attitude of gratefulness has also proven to reduce depression and anxiety. Some studies even find a correlation between gratitude and accelerated healing and reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease.
There have also been positive results in young adults who have a more grateful spirit- bringing more energy and better focus. Constantly maintaining a grateful spirit helps lower stress and improve overall health.
Below are more positive results coming from gratitude that Emmons discovered:
People who practice gratitude-
- Take better care of themselves physically and mentally
- Engage in more protective health behaviors and maintenance
- Get more regular exercise
- Eat a healthier diet
- Have improved mental alertness
- Schedule regular physical examinations with their doctor
- Cope better with stress and daily challenges
- Feel happier and more optimistic
- Avoid problematic physical symptoms
- Have stronger immune systems
- Maintain a brighter view of the future
It is important to remember what we are thankful for on this Thanksgiving, and not forget the true meaning of this holiday. Let’s also remember to be thankful the next day, and everyday after that!
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