Thanksgiving is good for you—and, no, we don’t mean all that turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie you eat, or all those hours you spend on the couch watching football.

It turns out that thanksgiving—actually giving thanks—is more important than we think.

While “Count your blessings” may sound like something your grandma might have said (while you roll your eyes), research is showing that she may have been on to something. Cultivating “an attitude of gratitude” has immense physical, psychological, and social benefits. In fact, being grateful helps us become more optimistic, and results in us feeling better about our lives, and increases our happiness!

So even if your Thanksgiving holiday isn’t the Norman Rockwell picture of a perfect family or is fraught with family problems and drama; even if the turkey is underdone and the pumpkin pie burns; and even if your football team loses—you can still have a successful Thanksgiving that can last well beyond the day. Being grateful for even the simple things in your life can create lasting positive effects.

Effects of Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

• Acknowledging the goodness in our lives doesn’t just make us feel better, it makes us better. Positive psychology research reveals that when we acknowledge the goodness in our lives, we connect to something larger than ourselves—and change our brain! Our brain develops new and stronger neural pathways geared toward happiness. As we practice being grateful and giving thanks, we become less materialistic, less self-centered, more optimistic, and more generous.
• When we feel and express gratitude, it’s good for our bodies, minds, careers, and our relationships. Studies show benefits ranging from a stronger immune system, to becoming more resilient and relaxed, to improving our decision making, to being more helpful, generous, compassionate, and forgiving.

TIPS

1. Practice being thankful this year—and not just about what feels good. Even tough life lessons can be savored if you hold them for what they are—opportunities to learn, grow, and develop. Giving thanks can counter our upsets—from upsetting world news to our fears about interacting with our family this holiday—to instead help us focus on the positive in our lives and in the world. Use Thanksgiving Day to remind you to give thanks—and then make a new habit by practicing gratitude every day.
2. Savor the experiences you have—it is an essential step in taking positive thoughts with you wherever you go. Savoring means that you let experiences sink in—you really feel the warmth, fun, excitement, and appreciation. Enjoy the experience fully. If others express gratitude to you or give you a compliment, bask in the warmth and let it in. Indulging our senses can help—really taste that pumpkin pie and enjoy the spices and the creaminess; luxuriate in the deliciousness!
3. Share your gratitude for others. Write a thank you note, or call someone up and tell them what you appreciate about them. Now that you know the benefits of gratitude, don’t just keep it to yourself. Let others know what about them makes you grateful.

It’s amazing how much you can give—and get—by expressing gratitude. It’s a gift that comes back to you exponentially!

LiveWright and Live with Gratitude,

Dr. Judith, Dr. Bob, and the LiveWright Team