Thankfulness &
Gratitude
Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can also decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease.
(Source: Balance Your Mental And Emotional Health article published on the Mayo Clinic Health Systems website April of last year)
The practice of being grateful can have many positive impacts. While there is scientific research that supports this, for anyone that has experienced being grateful, this goes without saying.
Feeling thankful can increase a sense of well-being and overall life satisfaction. It can also contribute to positive emotional functioning such as more pleasurable emotions and thoughts that life is going well; increased optimism; a sense of connectedness; improved relationships; and even a better quality of sleep.
This holiday season is the perfect opportunity to express genuine thankfulness. Here are 2 tried-and-true ways to sincerely express your gratitude this Christmas season.
Give to Those in Need
Volunteer at a local shelter and help those less
fortunate. If you have other members in your family,
then this could become a seasonal tradition. In
2013 a study by the United Nations Foundation
found that when parents talked to their children
about volunteering and giving back, the children
were more likely to participate in charitable efforts.
There are so many ways to give back locally and
help those in need this season. You could join in
and serve meals, make a toy donation, or even
participate in a winter coat drive for those without
adequate shelter.
Giving to those in need is maybe one of the most meaningful expressions of thankfulness. It’s important to be grateful for all that we have, and talking about it is our second way of sincerely expressing your gratitude.
Talk about What You’re Grateful For
You could make a point of this and have a family night. Everyone can
cuddle up in the living room with hot chocolate and each of you share
what you’re grateful for. A great starting point is to talk about the people
you’re thankful for in your life. This can be a particularly heartwarming
experience if you have small children in your family.
This too could become a family tradition and part of your Christmas season each year.
From all of us at Capital Direct we wish you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas and all the very best in 2023!
