Being thankful is good for our health in many ways
Roman philosopher Seneca wrote, “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for those that are so lack nothing. The wise are content with their lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what they have not.”
Research shows that grateful people sleep better, exercise more, and care more for others. People who remind themselves daily of what they’re thankful for show significant improvements in mental and physical health.
These results hold whether we’re a healthy college student or older with an incurable disease. Both groups were asked to write a weekly list of five things for which they were grateful. Comparable groups counted their hassles instead; the results were predictable.
The grateful groups felt better about their lives and more optimistic about their prospects. Thankful college students exercised more.
Chronically ill adults who focused on blessings slept longer and awakened refreshed. Grateful groups were nicer to neighbors and more willing to help people with personal problems; gratitude can serve as a “moral motivator” promoting prosocial behavior.
Being thankful is good for our physical, mental, moral, and communal health. It doesn’t seem to matter what we are grateful for, so long as we count our blessings. We can appreciate warm clothes, or generous friends, or loving family members, or pleasant elevator conversations. We can be grateful for sufficient food, or reliable transportation, or good neighbors, or the kindness of strangers. We can be thankful for the daily graces that come abundantly to bless us all.
- Where are you resting satisfied with what you have?
- How might your gratitude spill over and grace the lives of neighbors and community?
- In divisive times, gratitude can heal us!
Rev. Dr. Sybrant serves at Murray Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more info, visit us at 15050 SW Weir Road, Beaverton. 503-524-5230, www.murrayhills.org
