Did you know that January is National Thank You month? What better way to start the month than with a thank you! It was started in 1977 by author Marsha Friedman as a way to promote the power of saying thank you. However, this is not something that “just began.” Actually, the ancient cultures around the world had traditions and rituals expressing gratitude and thanksgiving often in relation to successful harvests or blessings from the gods. The tradition carried on in the 1600’s with the Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving in 1621. By 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November.

So, what do we know today? 

Expressing gratitude is linked with many mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease. 

What’s the right amount of gratitude? 

Simply put, gratitude should be practiced daily. Try starting your day by thinking of someone you’re grateful for as soon as you wake up. It could be a teacher who recognizes your child’s gifts, an employee that is especially kind to his peers.  Later, thank that person with a text, note or kind word when you see the person. I am “old fashioned” and would say a written note can have the most powerful impact.  

Did you know that behavior changes biology? 

Positive gestures benefit you by releasing oxytocin, a hormone that helps connect people. 

You’ll also benefit the person on the other end of the gesture. After all, who doesn’t like to be thanked for their efforts or just for being who they are? Sharing kindness can make you healthier and happier. 

Why not track your gratitude?

Ryan and I have done a gratitude journal in the past. I decided that it’s time to dust it off the shelf and begin again. We have the most time during dinner, so that is when we will begin. I will keep you posted as to how he embraces this concept and if it has any positive impact on his behavior. We have so much to be thankful for!