The Healthy Rewards of Giving Thanks

by Sarah Hall

Here we are, on the cusp of November, a month that is traditionally centered on thankfulness and thanksgiving.  A month that brings us to think about all that we are thankful for… our family, our friends, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff, just to name a few.  Of course, it’s always thoughtful, and surely appreciated to thank these people who make a difference in our everyday lives.  But did you know it is also beneficial to our health?
  
It’s true.  In the past decade, many studies have shown that thankfulness and gratitude not only improve our emotional well-being, but our physical health, as well.  According to Sheela Raja, PhD,  an assistant professor and clinical psychologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago,  “Research suggests that individuals who are grateful in their daily lives actually report fewer stress-related health symptoms, including headaches, gastrointestinal (stomach) issues, chest pain, muscle aches, and appetite problems.”   In fact, “Grateful people experience higher levels of positive emotions -- happiness, vitality, optimism, and hope -- and greater satisfaction with life,” states Robert Emmons, Ph.D., author of “The Joy of Thanks,” and professor of psychology at the University of California.
 
So, with the numerous studies and proof that gratitude tends to improve our health, happiness and fulfillment, what then can we do?  How can we lead lives filled with gratitude?  And, how can we guide our families to being thankful, as well?  Here are some examples of ideas that might help us and our families to be thankful, which then, as Dr. Emmons writes, may improve our health, happiness and fulfillment in life.  And who wouldn’t want that?

Ideas for self:

Gratitude letter – Write a letter of gratitude to someone who has been a positive influence in your life. Describe how you were affected and what it meant to you.

Gratitude journal – Begin a journal in which everyday you write 3-5 things that you are thankful for.  They might be large or small, but they all make a difference.  

Three positive things – At the end of each day, recall three good things that happened that day, remember to consider even the smallest event.

Ideas for families:

Thanksgiving Countdown Calendar - Starting on the first of November, have each family member write down one thing per day that they are thankful for on a card.  You may then create a Thanksgiving banner to display the cards on.  

Jar of thanks – Each evening, have your family members write down one thing that they are thankful for. Then on Thanksgiving Day, share your gratitude around the Thanksgiving table. 

Postcards of thanks – Use cardstock to create postcards.  Have your kids draw, paint, or paste thanksgiving images on these cards, and on the back have your kids write a message to the recipient on it.  Be sure to leave room for the stamp and address. 

Thanksgiving tree – Trace your child’s hand and forearm on a poster board, then trace other handprints on yellow, green, orange and red construction paper, and have your children write what they are thankful for on their handprints.  Then affix the “leaves” to the tree!

For more ideas, visit http://fun.familyeducation.com/slideshow/thanksgiving/54723.html?page=1&detoured=1.

Resources:
Emmons, R.  (2002). The Joy of Thanks.  Spirituality and Health,  2002/Winter.  Retrieved from http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/magazine/recommended-articles/the-joy-of-thanks.html.
Stewart, K.  (2010). The Health Benefits of Saying Thanks.  Everyday Health.  Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/saying-thanks/the-health-benefits-of-saying-thanks.aspx.