We're talking about the state of mind, rather than the holiday!
Many studies have found correlations between gratitude and physical and emotional health--for both adults and adolescents. People who are highly grateful are less likely to be anxious, depressed, or aggressive than less grateful people.
What's more, deliberate actions of gratitude can cultivate better mental health. In a classic study, research subjects who wrote daily journals focused on appreciation had better emotional outcomes than those who wrote about hassles or about neutral subjects.
Try one of these proven ways to build thankfulness:
- Keep a gratitude list.
- Thank yourself every evening for three things you did during the day.
- Write a note to someone who did you a kindness, recently or in the past.
- Meditate on your blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The REACH Institute!
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