Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is a time when we are supposed to express gratitude for all the wonderful things we were given during the past year.  Although, you may think it is an obligatory step before enjoying the traditional bird with a couple sides of starch, there actually are many benefits to giving thanks. 

1. It helps you feel in control. Acknowledging the things you are thankful for helps you take credit for the good things that have happened to you.

2. It improves your health.  A study by Robert Emmons, Ph.D. showed those who kept gratitude journals tend to exercise an average of 33 percent more a week and sleep a half hour more each night.  They also reported more energy and vitality.  

3.  It helps you cope better with trauma.  If you are focused on what is good in your life at present, you are better able to neutralize negative emotions from the past.  

4.  It bolsters self-worth and self-esteem.  If you can count your blessings, rather than focusing on the negative during difficult situations, you can concentrate on things you value the most.  

Instead of just passively participating in the toast and then gobbling up the delicious fare, try offering a few words of thanks.  It may do a lot more then making your grandmother cry.

Adapted from Real Simple, November 2008, 4 Benefits of Giving Thanks, by Nykia Spradley and Lesley Alderman