Don’t Forget Your Thank You’s

Because a little gratitude goes a long way. A really long way.

Laura Shinn

‘Tis the season…for gratitude. And, sometimes, that’s a tough sell. (Like this month, when not everyone is feeling particularly thankful.)

But mustering up a bit of positivity is worth the effort, claim experts, plenty of whom have proven that gratitude is essential to our health—both emotional and physical. A 2012 study published in the Journal of the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences (ISSID) showed that grateful people actually experience fewer aches and pains, and report feeling healthier than others who are less than appreciative. Add to the list: increased happiness, reduced episodes of depression, and—according to Forbes magazine—improved sleep, self-esteem, mental strength, and reduced aggression.

We’re basically talking a scientifically-proven win-win. All for simply cultivating a good attitude.

If you haven’t started thanking your neighbors and grocery checkers by the time you get to this part of the post, you’ve got some catching up to do. Start your practice now. Spread some gladness. Jot down a few things daily. Make your gratitude last throughout the year—not just during the forced feel-good season.

We’ll get you started; because, here at Pulse, we’re grateful for plenty of things. Like…

• – Homemade pies—that you can buy ready-made
• – Open minds
• – Warm lubricant
• – An end to political robo calls
• – Libido
• – Instagram filters that make our turkeys look good
• – The Gilmore Girls 2.0
• – Pride and strength, even in defeat
• – Spam filters
• – Self expression
• – Dirty minds
• – Clean design
• – Facebook stories that remind us kindness and compassion still exist

From all of us here at Pulse, wishing you a Happy THANKSgiving…

Laura Shinn is a Portland, Oregon-based writer and strategist covering health, wellness, food, fashion and culture.