We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with memories of a wonderful time spent with family and friends as you find ways to express your gratitude this season.
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Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays of the year. It marks the start of the holiday season and provides the perfect opportunity to feast on delicious dishes while spending quality time with loved ones.
Gratitude and thankfulness are ingrained in the Thanksgiving holiday as many families go around the dinner table sharing what they are thankful for. As we remember all the big, noteworthy things to be grateful for, let us not forget to be thankful for simple blessings like comfortable shelter, good jobs, warm clothing, and the presence of people we love, both family and friends.
With all the good food and family traditions, Thanksgiving provides the ideal opportunity for many people to practice gratitude that can extend into the new year. Practicing thankfulness is extremely beneficial as it has many proven positive side effects, which include:
Strengthening our relationships with family members, coworkers, and neighbors
Lowering blood pressure, improving immune function, increasing energy, decreasing pain, and aiding in better sleep.
Reducing depression, anxiety, and negative emotions like envy, regret, and frustration
Increasing mental and emotional resilience
Increasing happiness and even lifespan
Inspiring people to give back to their communities
So this Thanksgiving, as you savor the delicious food and family time, remember to practice gratitude by being present, starting new thankfulness traditions, and giving back. You can give back by volunteering at your local kitchens, sharing meals with your neighbor, or inviting someone to dinner who has no one to celebrate Thanksgiving with. You can even plan a Friendsgiving Day gathering to celebrate in a less formal manner with your closest friends and coworkers. Whoever you choose to celebrate the holiday with, we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with great memories of a wonderful time spent with family and friends.
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Written by: Ninfa O. Barnard