By: Rod Palmer

As we enter into the holiday season we are reminded that this is the season of thankfulness and gratitude. Unfortunately, gratitude tends to get left in the dust and replaced by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, family drama, materialism, comparison, and much more. This Thanksgiving I wanted to write a blog that helped remind us all how to be grateful this holiday season. Not only because it will make you a happier person but because it will make you a healthier person. 

There have been many studies done that prove that a grateful person is a healthier person. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of California who has spent decades studying the health effects of gratitude. Emmons commented on a study on gratitude done by Paul Mills Ph.D. (also a professor and researcher at the University of California) and said “Gratitude is good medicine. … Clinical trials indicate that the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects in a person’s life. It can lower blood pressure and improve immune function… grateful people engage in more exercise, have better dietary behaviors, are less likely to smoke and abuse alcohol, and have higher rates of medication adherence.” 

I remember when I was a much younger man and I knew these two men that both worked in factories and made similar wages. One of these men was always bitter and negative, while the other was always cheerful and grateful. The bitter man had very few friends who sought him out for wisdom and advice. The bitter man did not live a very long or happy life and, as you may have guessed, the grateful man went on to live a very long and happy life. 

What is the gratitude?

Gratitude is hard to define. Webster’s Dictionary defines gratitude as a “feeling of appreciation of thanks.” Robert Emmons defines gratitude as “First it’s an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts, and benefits we’ve received. … We recognize that the sources of this goodness are outside of ourselves… gifts, big and small, to help us achieve goodness in our lives.” 

As I dove further into research I realized that there are many different ways that people look at and define gratitude. In my opinion, though, the overall concept is the same though. Gratitude is made up of many small moments of thankfulness, being thankful for the roof over your head, the food on your plate, or the shoes on your feet. These small moments of constant thankfulness slowly transition your brain into a state of gratitude, regardless of your situation. 

Being grateful on a daily basis takes a lot of practice. Most human brains are not naturally in a thankful state, it is much easier to be negative, therefore we are actually having to practice and rewire our brains for gratitude. Rewiring your brain to be grateful you will live a much happier and healthier life. Here are some ways that you can practice gratitude daily:

1. Remember the bad times. This may seem counter-productive but remembering bad times is also a great way to be grateful for how far you have come and how good you have it. 

2. Keep a gratitude journal. This one may not be for everyone but taking time out of your day to write down what you’re grateful for is a great way to practice gratefulness and make yourself more aware of your daily blessings in life. 

3. Share your gratitude with others. Studies have shown that expressing your gratitude can strengthen your relationships. Whenever a friend, spouse, or family member does something that you’re grateful for, let them know!

4. Thank people frequently. Thank your mailman, the cashier, a police officer, bus drivers, etc.

5. Post images and quotes around your house to remind you to be grateful.

6. Smile often.

7. Notice the beauty in your daily life. 

8. Help your friends and family see the positive side in situations. 

9. Include an act of kindness in your life daily.

10. Avoid negative news and media as much as possible.

The main message I hope you take away from this blog post is that gratitude is not only good for your emotional health but your physical health. Leading a purposefully grateful life will lead to a healthier lifestyle, stronger relationships, and better mental health. I hope you will implement some of these techniques in your daily life. Happy Thanksgiving from the Dwell at Home family.