Giving thanks can make you happier and improve mental health, experts say
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and express gratitude for all that we have. But did you know that giving thanks can actually have a positive impact on your health? According to experts, practicing gratitude has been shown to improve mood and mental health.
M. David Rudd, PhD, a distinguished professor of psychology at The University of Memphis, explains that emotional experiences are influenced by cognitive processes, or how we think. Gratitude serves as a reminder that our perspective in life plays a significant role in shaping our emotions.
When it comes to happiness, gratitude is a central theme. Optimists tend to be happier than pessimists, and gratitude is more common in optimists. This is because the belief that there are always things to be grateful for, even in the face of challenges, is crucial to maintaining an optimistic outlook on life.
Gratitude is not just a perspective, but also a learned skill that can be developed with practice. Just like exercise and social connections, gratitude is something that can be cultivated over time. Clinical psychologist Thea Gallagher explains that the human brain is naturally inclined to focus on the negative, but training our minds to focus on the positive can have a profound impact on our mental health.
Gallagher suggests practicing mindfulness by acknowledging and appreciating the good things in our lives. This can help us stay present and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the simple joys that we often overlook. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, we can improve our overall well-being and mental health.
As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us not only celebrate our blessings but also recommit to the faith and morality that make those blessings possible. By practicing gratitude and embracing a positive outlook on life, we can experience a newfound sense of happiness and fulfillment. So take a moment to reflect on the things you are grateful for, big or small, and experience the health benefits that come with giving thanks.
