November 25, 2024 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
Thanksgiving break is coming up, and with this season, the words “thankful” and “gratitude” seem to appear everywhere. While it may sound corny to some, understanding the meaning of these words is important not just for the time surrounding thanksgiving, but all year long. Yes, it can be hard to always have in the forefront of your mind, -and I am guilty of this too- but really trying to see through the negative stress involved with school, sports and everyday life is a step toward positivity and being thankful.
Practicing gratitude is good for a multitude of things, not just to remind yourself of what is good in your life, but it also can help you see things from a different perspective. Even if you are having a rough day, you can always come back more grounded by reminding yourself of the positive, important things in your life, whether that’s family, friends, places, or time well spent. I have found that in the times I reflect on the good points of my day, or list out all the things I am lucky to experience and have in my life, I feel the weight of all my stressors lighten, just a little bit, and I can imagine, if you practice this continually, that this feeling will only occur more often and more prominently.
Scientifically speaking, practicing gratitude can be beneficial to your physical and psychological health too. According to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences, “grateful people” are more likely to take care of their health, attending regular check-ups, increasing their exercise, and eating well. Additionally, if you spend even 15 minutes every night listing a few things you were grateful for that day, a 2011 study in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being showed that this will increase your sleep quantity and quality. From a psychological perspective, many other researchers have shown that gratitude can reduce social comparisons, lower depression, resulting in an increase in one’s self-esteem.
In a study conducted by psychologist Robert A. Emmons, Emmons sought to understand how people are affected by practicing or witnessing gratitude, catalyzing a series of related research studies. Not only did he find that gratitude can be associated with lower blood pressure and more stable emotions, but also can reduce anxiety, depression and improve one’s satisfaction with their life.
You can demonstrate thankfulness and gratitude in this holiday season by talking to friends and family about how you are lucky to have a relationship with them, volunteering at a soup kitchen or other organization to give back to your community, spreading kindness and complimenting people you see throughout your day, and this thanksgiving, even sharing what you are grateful for at the table you are gathered around with your friends and family.
7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude | Psychology Today
Gratitude Really is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows. – LiveWell Dementia Specialists
What Does Gratitude Do For Your Health? What the Science Shows – The New York Times