Studies show that practicing gratitude can improve health and happiness and also strengthens relationships.

People who are thankful and grateful experience psychological, physical, and social benefits.

Psychologically, they have higher levels of positive emotions; are more alert, alive, and awake; experience more joy and pleasure; and are more optimistic and happy.

Physically, grateful people have stronger immune systems; are less bothered by aches and pains; have lower blood pressure; exercise more and take better care of their health; and sleep longer and feel more refreshed upon waking.

Socially, those who practice gratitude are more helpful, generous, compassionate, forgiving, and outgoing and they feel less lonely and isolated.

Sound great, right?  So how does one cultivate gratitude?

Write a thank-you letter.

Do it the old-fashioned way.  Get out a pen and paper and write a thank-you letter to someone to whom you are grateful.

Each Thanksgiving, I write thank-you notes to about five people who have helped me throughout the past year.  I thank them for being a good friend to me.  It feels good to me to remember them and that I have their support.

Keep a gratitude journal.

Each day, write down something for which you are thankful.

I keep my gratitude journal right in my bedside table drawer and write in it before bedtime.  It doesn’t take long, and it is a nice way to end the day.  When I am feeling down,  it is helpful to have the journal to read through and remember my blessings.

Start this Thanksgiving and get the psychological, physical, and social benefits of thankfulness and gratitude.

Thank you blog readers.  Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Summit Performance Consulting LLC helps you be the best you.  Contact us at 561-325-8363 or Info@SummitPerformanceConsulsting.com to see how you can take your performance to the next level.