By Dr. Colleen Sholar

What if I told you I had a prescription that would improve your physical health, improve your anxiety, make you more resilient to stress, reduce aggression, increase self-esteem, help you sleep better, and improve your relationships? Would you take it? How much money would you expect to spend on it? What if I told you it was free? How much time and effort would you be willing to put forth? My prescription is for you is thankfulness! I didn’t say it was easy. For many of us it does take effort to be thankful and it takes some intention and dedication to make this part of your daily life. That said, it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Ways to increase the amount of thankfulness, or gratitude in your life include keeping a journal, use an app like “Three Good Things,” meditations of gratitude, prayers of gratitude, and focusing on the intentions of others are commonly used methods. The key is consistency but evidence shows that even 10-15minutes a day of using the Three Good Things method show significant improvement in depression, burn out, and life work balance for months after use nightly for only a few weeks that can last up to a year. Maybe it is time for us all to try thankfulness.

It’s easy to replace your ghosts and cobwebs with your Christmas tree but let’s remember Thanksgiving is an important holiday too and it’s not all about the food –though food is often what brings people together, you’ll regret the seconds! Take this opportunity to be thankful for what you have, those around you, and reflect. Gratitude is part of a growth mindset and you won’t regret it.

Relationships- studies show expressing thanks improves relationships. This can be simple and doesn’t require much from you, a simple “thanks for holding the door for me” or acknowledging a work colleague’s help on a project can do the trick. People who feel appreciated are more likely to form a relationship with you which is a feedback loop for more positive encounters and opportunities.

Physical health- People who are thankful are more likely to exercise and otherwise take care of themselves physically. Lower anxiety levels and better stress management often lead to decreased “stress eating”

Happiness/stress- Being thankful improves happiness scores as well as reducing depression scores. There is evidence for thankfulness improving symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and reducing the desire for revenge. There have been studies in military veterans and first responders.