The benefits of expressing gratitude
Thrive with the power of gratitude
It’s as traditional as turkey and stuffing. When gathered around the Thanksgiving table, many people take time to reflect on the things for which they are thankful. But there’s no reason to wait for a holiday to express your gratitude. Here’s why appreciating and enjoying what you have each and every day can benefit your health and happiness all year long.
Increase happiness
Gratitude has been proven to reduce negative emotions and increase positive emotions like happiness and empathy to allow people to better appreciate good experiences. The happier you are, the more you’ll smile!
Improve self-esteem
Grateful people are able to appreciate others’ accomplishments — a key factor in raising your own self-esteem.
Build stronger relationships
Couples who take time to express gratitude for their partners feel more positive toward that person. And thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to begin a friendship with you.
Experience better oral health
Gratitude can help lower stress, which is linked to oral health problems, including teeth grinding and clenching, gum disease and mouth sores. Not only can reduced stress help prevent some oral diseases, but better overall health is also linked to better oral health.
Enjoy improved health
Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains, and usually take better care of their health.
How to express more gratitude
Commit to practicing gratitude every day
Research proves that making an oath to show gratitude regularly increases the likelihood that you’ll follow through.
Pay compliments
Let people know when they are a positive influence in your life. It can go a long way toward making their day, and it will make you feel better as well.
Be grateful for the past, present and future
Show thankfulness for positive memories. Enjoy good fortune as it happens by recognizing it and celebrating in the moment. Maintain a hopeful and optimistic attitude about the future.
Smile more often
Grateful actions like smiling will help spark your gratitude. Plus, smiling has been proven to reduce stress and improve health.
Keep a gratitude journal
Spend a few minutes every day writing down why you are grateful. Counting your blessings is a great way to start or end the day on a happy note.
Give thanks for your healthy smile
It’s easy to take your teeth for granted, but they do more than help you smile. They’re vital for talking, eating and so much more.
Write thank you notes
Penning a note of thanks is a win-win situation. Not only will you make yourself happier by expressing gratitude, but you’ll also nurture your relationships with other people by expressing your appreciation to them.
Start working on becoming more grateful today. You'll thank yourself for doing so!
