There have been quite a few studies done on the impact gratitude has on your overall health. Two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, conducted a research study on gratitude and found that participants who wrote down things they were grateful for that happened during the week, felt better, were more positive, and they even exercised more, and visited the doctors less than those who did not practice gratitude. 

Overall studies have found a direct correlation between gratitude practice and overall happiness levels and healthy habits. 

How to Practice Gratitude

As we’re in the season of thanks, take your gratitude practice into the new year! Here’s how you can practice it daily. 

• Journal! Write down 3-5 things you are grateful for each morning when you sit down and sip on your morning cup of coffee. 
• If you don't have the time to journal daily, try doing it on a weekend day, reflecting on all you are grateful for from the week. 
• Tell someone each day one thing you are grateful for.

Want to take your gratitude practice to the next level? Try practicing one act of random kindness each day. It may be a total game-changer in your overall happiness levels! 

Make the Most of the Season of Thanks

Make the most of this Thanksgiving season by really practicing gratitude and expressing how grateful you are for the things that you do have. Taking the time to do this daily, even just five minutes in the morning has been shown to have some pretty amazing benefits for your mental and physical health, so challenge yourself to do this. It may just be that new health habit that takes your health to the next level.