The Health Benefits of Saying 'Thank You'

by WiredBerries Editors — November 22, 2007

On the day set aside for being grateful, what better time to consider the health benefits of giving thanks? What would happen if you were thankful year-round? Studies show that such gratitude would be rewarded with better health. According to researchers, people classified as "grateful" take better care of themselves, are better at dealing with stress, have better immune function, and best, enjoy life more than the rest of the population.

According to Robert A. Emmons, author of Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, people who keep gratitude journals slept 1/2 hour more per evening, woke up more refreshed, and exercised 33 percent more each week compared with persons who are not keeping these journals. Good reason to try to maintain the wonderful feeling of connectedness and celebration that comes with this holiday - it's good for your heart!