5 Reasons We Should Be Grateful on More than Just Thanksgiving

It's intriguing how we dedicate an entire holiday to gratitude when, in reality, practicing gratitude should be a year-round endeavor. Delving into the latest positive psychology research from Research.com, here are five compelling reasons why infusing gratitude into our lives can bring about profound changes, supported by scientific findings.

1.  Makes You Physically Healthier

 Gratitude has been linked to lower blood pressure, promoting health consciousness, encouraging exercise, extending lifespan, increasing pain tolerance, and enhancing sleep quality. Cultivating gratitude before bedtime contributes to more positive thoughts, fostering a peaceful and restful sleep. Gratitude prevents overeating by displacing negative thoughts, creating space for positive reflections before bedtime. 

 TO DO: Identify three things you are grateful for every night before bed and journal about them.

 2. Gives You More Will Power

Gratitude prevents overeating, motivates exercise, and instills patience. Focusing on the present moment and being thankful for what is available enhances willpower, especially regarding resisting excessive eating. Gratitude increases patience, leading to better financial decision-making and long-term gratification. 

TO DO: Focus on what you have rather than what you don't have.

3. Boosts Self-Confidence

 Expressing gratitude builds self-confidence in others, reduces envy and jealousy, and diminishes materialistic tendencies. Athletes receiving gratitude from coaches experienced elevated self-esteem over a six-month period. Gratitude shifts the focus from others' possessions to personal blessings, fostering overall well-being. 

 TO DO: Practice finding intangible things to be grateful for with your family daily.

 4. Improves Relationships

 Gratitude strengthens romantic relationships and friendships, improves mood, and fosters positivity. Expressing and receiving gratitude enhances the quality of romantic relationships. Regularly expressing gratitude shifts focus to positive aspects, improving mood. Gratitude transforms negative memories into positive ones through grateful processing. *TO DO: Express gratitude to your loved ones and share why you appreciate them.*

 5. Enhances Productivity

Gratitude enhances productivity by improving retention, building better working relationships, and increasing a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Feeling appreciated at work motivates employees more than demands or fear of job loss. Gratitude improves employee retention, as those feeling appreciated are more likely to stay longer in a company. Positive work relationships foster a healthy and more productive work environment. Gratitude cultivates a sense of fulfillment by providing genuine appreciation for employees' work.

 TO DO: Express gratitude at the workplace to enhance motivation and foster positive work relationships.