“Let me encourage you to get up every day and focus on what you do have in life. Be thankful for the blessings of the little things, even when you don’t get what you expect.” – Victoria Osteen

Today is Thanksgiving. But, what does that really mean?

It turns out that saying thanks may do more than just make one feel good.

Studies have shown that people who regularly practice feeling thankful have a leg up when it comes to their health. Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, has been a leading researcher in this growing field, termed “positive psychology.” His research has found that those who adopt an “attitude of gratitude” as a permanent state of mind experience many health benefits.

Emmons’ findings, along with those from other researchers such as Lisa Aspinwall, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, suggest that grateful people may be more likely to:

• Take better care of themselves physically and mentally

• Engage in more protective health behaviors and maintenance

• Get more regular exercise

• Eat a healthier diet

• Have improved mental alertness

• Schedule regular physical examinations with their doctor

• Cope better with stress and daily challenges

• Feel happier and more optimistic

• Avoid problematic physical symptoms

• Have stronger immune systems

• Maintain a brighter view of the future

So, sit down, enjoy some turkey and pumpkin pie, and be thankful you live in a warm home with good food.

Dale Hogg