Participants in the first Thanksgiving were onto something - gratitude improves physical, mental, social and spiritual health.
Although the celebrants who gathered in 1621 may not have recognized the extended benefits of giving thanks, a more complete picture has emerged.
In an article for WebMD, Elizabeth Heubeck wrote: "Can just a positive emotion such as gratitude guarantee better health? It may be a dramatic departure from what we've been taught about how to get healthier, but the connection between gratitude and health actually goes back a long way."
She cites researchers who contend grateful people generally have healthier diets, maintain exercise regimens and get regular checkups. In addition, gratitude is linked to stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure and other favorable conditions.
The physical benefits, in many ways, are a byproduct of a mental outlook that emphasizes the positive.
According to a report from Harvard Medical School, "gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships."
Strong relationships are the foundation of social interaction, and we don't need scientific research to tell us positive people also tend to be popular.
Basic human nature urges us to associate with people who see brightness instead of gloom, who emphasis the positive instead of the negative, who build us up rather than tear us down.
Gratitude is not a commodity to be purchased, it is an attitude to be cultivated.
And what is perhaps most gratifying is that the attitude can be cultivated by anyone, regardless of age, gender, wealth, position, etc.
Heubeck cites a number of researchers, including University of California Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons, in compiling tips to cultivate and maintain feelings of gratitude. They include:
• Maintain a gratitude journal. Research links journaling about gratitude with improved physical and mental health.
• List benefits in your life and remain mindful of whenever you take one of them for granted.
• Don't be afraid to give yourself an optimistic, appreciate pep talk.
• Reframe difficult situations by seeing them with a more positive outlook.
If you're skeptical about whether any of this works or is worth the effort, Heubeck shares this quote from Emmons: "Try it out for yourself. What's the alternative? I think gratitude is the best approach to life."
What do you have to lose, except pessimism and misery? And what better time to begin than on Thanksgiving?