Thanksgiving Equals Yummy Food…. and Happiness and Health?

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to get together with family, friends, and feast on food. It’s also a time to give thanks. Most of us have been told since we were young that we should be thankful. But, did you know, it’s also good for your health and happiness?

According to research out of the University of California, Davis and the University of Pennsylvania, showing gratitude can increase happiness. When we are grateful, we have increased our positive emotion and this can impact the overall quality of life and well-being. And the news gets even better: gratitude is also associated with better health. According to Glenn Fox, an expert on gratitude at the University of Southern California, health benefits associated with gratitude include better sleep, reduced symptoms of physical pain, and lower blood pressure.

Here’s a practice to add some goodness to your day right now: take this moment to think of three things you are grateful for. You can close your eyes, write them down, say them out loud or just think about them. Got ‘em?

That’s it! Simply doing this little exercise on a daily basis has been scientifically shown to make you happier.

Great, what’s next?

Do it again… tomorrow and the next day and the next. Bring a little more gratitude into your day and you’ll begin to bring about a big change towards building your best life.

And if you liked that practice, you’ll love what we have in store for you!