Thanksgiving 2020

By Nicolette Miller and Annette Rooney

With Thanksgiving in mind, especially during these crazy Covid times, remembering to be grateful is crucial for each and every person to maintain a sound, happy, and healthy mind. According to many scientific studies, the health benefits of expressing gratitude are never-ending. 

Kori D. Miller argues that the health benefits of expressing gratitude are never-ending. She writes, “Numerous studies are demonstrating how gratitude journaling can increase one’s happiness. Others show that inflammation in one’s body can decrease. Throughout this article, you will discover that expressing gratitude reduces stress, increases optimism, and changes your brain.”

After the Covid-19 pandemic flipped the world upside down, many noticed a negative shift in their mental health. This included feelings of depression, anxiety, and sadness for the new and scary way of  life. As the pandemic has continued to rid the world of the many things that derive people’s happiness, counting blessings and being grateful is more crucial now than ever before. 

For the individual, gratitude helps to increase happiness and mood, improve physical health, help with sleep, lower inflammation, lessen fatigue, and help to develop patience, humility, and wisdom in each person. Furthermore, in a group setting, gratitude can help to strengthen relationships, increase job satisfaction, and even increase employee’s effectiveness. 

In the end, taking a little time out of the day to express gratitude will both improve health and help to maintain a happy and healthy state of mind. BE GRATEFUL!