Monday Moanin Thoughts #133 Don’t Wait For Thanksgiving To Have Gratitude, Enhance Your Health

It is hard to believe that we have reached the first Monday Moanin of November 2014. At the end of the month, many of us will celebrate Thanksgiving.  Many people begin to take some time to reflect on the gifts they have in their life during that week. This year, let’s pledge to make it a daily practice of reflection on those things beginning today!  There is no need to wait for Thanksgiving week.

As we begin our practice of gratitude., consider taking action by making a commitment to seek out ten people and thank them for who they are and what they do for others. It can be students, staff members, community members, or family. This small act is a powerful way to appreciate one another. By practicing more gratitude and acting with more optimism, researchers believe that good health is enhanced.

According to University of California Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons, grateful people — those who perceive gratitude as a permanent trait rather than a temporary state of mind — have an edge on the not-so-grateful when it comes to health, according to Emmons’ research on gratitude. “Grateful people take better care of themselves and engage in more protective health behaviors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, regular physical examinations,” Emmons tells WebMD.

Consider talking to yourself in a creative, optimistic, and appreciate manner, suggests Sam Quick, PhD, of the University of Kentucky. This could entail simply reflecting on things for which you’re grateful or, if you’re facing a challenging situation, seeing how it can ultimately be beneficial. For instance, having to cope with particularly difficult people in your job can improve your patience and understanding.

Make it a great November 2014 and keep reaching out to others, it is good for you! Have a great week and keep finding the good stuff.