It happens every year. You just sat down to a mouthwatering Thanksgiving meal. Right as you’re about to dig into the mashed potatoes, someone says, “Let’s go around the table and share one thing we’re thankful for!” Publicly declaring your thankfulness might feel awkward, but you should do it anyway—and not just on Thanksgiving. That’s because feeling and expressing gratitude can have major benefits for your physical and mental health. In fact, studies show that thankful people tend to experience fewer headaches, get sick less often, and have healthier hearts. So before you go for that second helping of pie, check out a few of the effects of thankfulness on your mind, body, and mood.
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Your Body on Gratitude
You don’t need turkey and pumpkin pie to enjoy the benefits of giving thanks
Mood
Positive emotions like gratefulness trigger the release of several happiness-boosting hormones. These hormones help improve your mood, quality of sleep, and self-esteem.
Heart
Feeling thankful spurs the release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin helps reduce blood pressure and protects your heart.
Brain
Expressing gratitude can increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, the
Body
Studies show that grateful people tend to make healthier choices about their diet. They’re also more likely to exercise and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Immune System
People who practice feeling and expressing gratitude tend to produce more disease-fighting cells, strengthening their immune systems.
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