The best part of Thanksgiving for me isn’t the turkey. It is when we all take a minute to express the things we feel grateful for. It’s such a special and heartwarming time, and it always gives me such a warm and fuzzy feeling. It turns out that expressing gratitude is also great for your physical and mental health, and every year; health is always on my list as something to feel thankful for. Plus, I think we can all agree that feeling good helps make every day more enjoyable.
Being Thankful Can Improve Mental and Physical Health
With many people having lost loved ones too early to preventable illnesses, everyday well-being is so important not only for oneself but for the people we care about.
Expressing gratitude is linked to many health benefits, such as improving sleep and mood and boosting the immune system. Gratitude can also reduce depression, anxiety, chronic pain issues, and the risk of disease. Ongoing negative thoughts and thought patterns can have the opposite effect.
The best way to feel grateful involves practicing gratitude daily, not just during the Thanksgiving roundtable. A good way to start is by thinking of someone or something to feel grateful for as soon as you wake up and writing it down. Later, thank that person with a text, note, or kind word when you meet them.
Behavior influences biology. Positive actions release oxytocin, a hormone that helps people connect. Not only does this benefit the individual making the gesture, but it also positively impacts the person receiving it. Gratitude and kindness can make people feel appreciated for their efforts or simply for who they are, which can lead to improved health and happiness. Life is filled with reasons to feel grateful, but sometimes, we need reminders to notice them.
How to Practice Gratitude This Thanksgiving
Try Gratitude Journalling
Try Gratitude JournallingEvery day try ending each day by writing down three things for which you are grateful. They may be simple things like “I’m grateful to be alive” or “I’m grateful for a hot shower.” They may also be more specific, such as, “Today, an old friend called to check in over the holidays, and I am thankful for the bond we still share after all these years.” Writing in a journal at the end of each day serves as a reminder that, no matter how bad the day was, there is always something to be grateful for.
Express Gratitude to Others
Telling people that you are thankful for them is just as important as saying ‘thank you.’ It is far too easy to go through the day saying ‘thank you’ without really meaning it. Expressing your gratitude for someone with a note or a heartfelt thank you can really change the tone of your day and theirs. It is helpful for becoming more aware of the little things people do for others.
Random Acts of Kindness
Watching others show gratitude can inspire people to help out in their own ways, like volunteering or doing random acts of kindness. For example, you could cook extra Thanksgiving food for someone in need or volunteer at a food drive or shelter. Doing these things not only brightens someone else’s day but also reminds us to give and appreciate help.
Some Things to be Thankful For This Year
Each and every gratitude list is going to be personal, but this year, I thought I would share some things that I am grateful for to help others get the ball rolling on their own lists.
This holiday season, I am grateful for:
- The company of my friends, family, and animals, and their health.
- My own health, and having easy access to affordable healthcare and medication.
- The internet because it allows me to connect with friends and family who are far away.
- Access to clean water for my daily hot shower!
- A good cup of coffee and the time to sip it slowly.
- Free yoga workouts on YouTube.
- Being able to buy the right medication for my thyroid condition online.
- The man who saw me struggling with some heavy boxes yesterday ran to carry them for me.
- Seeing the sunsets from my balcony.
Now it’s your turn!
What are you thankful for? Whether it’s something small, funny, meaningful, or deep, anything goes. Just jot down what you’re grateful for, and have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Is Thanksgiving dinner healthy?
Luckily, many Thanksgiving favorites can be part of a healthy diet. Turkey is a good source of protein, and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A. It’s important to make smart choices. Opt for white turkey meat instead of dark, as it has half the fat content.
What does gratitude do to the brain?
Experiencing gratitude can help control cortisol levels in the brain, decreasing anxiety and stress. Like acts of kindness, gratitude stimulates the brain to release happiness-related chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. When these chemicals are low, it can lead to depression.
How to make Thanksgiving healthier?
Keep the turkey flavorful but low in fat, make gravy without using flour, and add more nutrients to the stuffing. Enjoy cranberries without extra sugar, and fill half the plate with fresh, roasted veggies.
Why do people eat turkey on Thanksgiving instead of chicken?
According to the National Turkey Federation, 88% of Americans eat turkey in some form on Thanksgiving. The reason we eat turkey on this holiday is that it was plentiful in the Northeast during the early Thanksgiving celebrations many years ago.
How do you motivate someone to take their medication?
Remind them to follow the doctor’s instructions when taking their medicine. If they frequently forget, using a pillbox, setting an alarm, or downloading a pill reminder app could be useful. Taking the medicine at the same time each day might also help. Encourage them to consult their doctor before stopping the medication.
