Being thankful for being thankful

As we take time this week to think about what we’re grateful for, let’s add gratitude itself to the list. 

​The practice of gratitude is a gift not only to others, but also to ourselves, as it’s been associated with many health benefits including:  greater well-being and life satisfaction, improved sleep, fewer physical complaints, healing from trauma, greater empathy and optimism, and a lower overall lifetime risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression, alcohol and substance abuse and eating disorders (e.g., Kendler et al 2003; Emmons & McCullough 2003; Wood et al 2010, among many other research studies). 
 
Gratitude involves developing the capacity to appreciate and savor life experiences. There are so many ways to feel and express gratitude. Here are a few to consider: 

1. Write a brief note thanking someone for how they helped you during the day.
2. Write a more formal gratitude letter to someone sharing what you appreciate about them.
3. Each evening before sleep, write down 3 things you’re thankful for. 
4. Reflect upon who has contributed to your life. Identify mentors or role models and think about what kind of guidance or encouragement they’ve offered.
5. Take a moment to appreciate the grace in your life – the blessings and good things that have come to you by luck or fortunate circumstance (e.g., the freedoms you may enjoy, being born able-bodied or with certain talents, having access to education, etc.).  
6. Slow down and pay attention to what’s going well during the day. 

 
Though the cultural tendency may be to focus on what’s not going well (in order to address current challenges, solve problems and secure necessary support), we would do well to also practice a grateful outlook.  
 
Gratitude is both a positive emotion that makes us happy and a personal strength that we can build like a muscle. Giving thanks is not just a one-day affair!  
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I'm grateful for science solving world problems!  

Check out the Qingdao Saltwater Rice Research and Development Center and how Chinese researchers have developed rice that grows in saltwater, leading to productive initial yields in the United Arab Emirates.   ​

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