Giving Thanks (and Talking About It)

It is almost time once again to gather for Thanksgiving. And the name says it all. One of the things this holiday is about is giving thanks.

Yet we shouldn’t only give thanks once a year. A regular gratitude practice has numerous benefits, especially when it comes to your mental health and well-being. Practicing gratitude boosts your self-esteem while also helping regulate your mental resiliency. It can also benefit you if you live with specific diagnoses like depression or anxiety. It isn’t a cure, but it does show evidence of reducing serious depressive episodes while including the other benefits mentioned above.

Practicing gratitude regularly can also have physical benefits, including lower blood pressure and better sleep. Yet another example of how caring for your mental health is also caring for your physical health.

If you are unsure of how to start, many experts point to four simple steps, also known as the four “A”s.

• Awareness

• Acknowledgment

• Appreciation

• Action.

And as we get ready for our Thanksgiving meals and traditions, you’ve probably heard no shortage of advice on what to talk about and what not to talk about around the table. While avoiding politics, religion, etc, you can instead talk about your gratitude practice, how it helps, and maybe give your guests reasons to think about starting their own gratitude practice. After all, what better way to practice action in your gratitude practice!

Just one quick note, we will be off next week. See everyone in December!