This past Thursday, many people spent time with family, feasted on delicious Thanksgiving food, and watched football. However, one of the most important aspects of Thanksgiving is often forgotten, despite being in the name – being thankful. This important practice should not be overlooked, for it offers a myriad of benefits.
Practicing gratitude is beneficial for our physical and mental health. According to the Mayo Health Clinic, it can lead to improved sleep, mood, and immunity. It can also decrease the risk of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and disease vulnerability. These effects are so powerful that, “if there was a pill for all these benefits, everybody would be taking it.” You may think this is exaggerated, but scientists have seen these improvements due to practicing gratitude regularly.
The holiday season is also the perfect time to share this gratitude with others. Be the person who creates a positive environment. You can do this by giving thanks to the people and opportunities around you and focusing on what you have instead of what you lack. In addition, being gracious can build more empathy and understanding within friend groups and families by fostering a more compassionate and supportive bond. These benefits are crucial for maintaining strong, healthy relationships.
The challenge
One way to put this into practice is to take one of your days at school and spend it thanking important people in your life. It’s simple. These people could be friends, teachers, principals, or counselors. Although it might not seem like a lot, small acts of kindness can make someone’s day, build connections, and reduce others’ stress and anxiety.
This one is something you can try with your family next Thanksgiving. Go around the dinner table and have each family member express what they’re grateful for. It isn’t called Thanksgiving for nothing! While this may seem like a mindless tradition to do before gobbling on some turkey, it can build trust among family members and also show that you value the people around you. Having a loving group of people to celebrate the holiday with is not something to take for granted. Eating your aunt’s potato salad or your grandmother’s homemade rolls, cooked with love, emphasizes another reason to be grateful for those sitting around you at the table. However, gratitude should not be limited to Thanksgiving. There are many simple and easy ways to make being grateful a part of your daily life. One way is to keep a gratitude journal, where you write about specific things you are grateful for each day. Doing this can reinforce positive thoughts, helping your overall mood. To keep consistency, you can try setting a designated time to write, like in the morning when you wake up or right before you end your day.
In addition, you can try mindfulness exercises. These can help you focus on the present and the things you have at the moment instead of stressing about what might be. This may simply mean finding a quiet space to sit and reflect on your day. By embracing these practices, you can build a stronger sense of gratitude and improve your mental health. Taking these steps year-round can contribute to a more meaningful and fulfilling holiday experience for you and the whole family.
In conclusion, the practice of gratitude can be helpful both mentally and physically. Encourage yourself and others around you to start implementing some of these practices in their lives. Good news, next Thanksgiving is a while away, so it gives you plenty of time to start now!
