5 Health Benefits of Being Thankful

It's amazing to me that we seem to have lost the art of gratitude. We have to remind children to say "please" and "thank you". Unfortunately, we live in an age of entitlement, and it affects teens as well as adults.

However, research now shows that being thankful is not only good for you, but it has some surprising health benefits.

1. People that are generally thankful tend to spend more time thinking about what's good in life. They're more positive and less likely to suffer from emotional problems like depression, moodiness, and irritability.

2. Thankful people are more enjoyable to be around, and so they have a wider range of friends. They usually have healthier relationships, too. Let's face it. Do you like being around people that are never thankful for what they have?

3. Thankful people are a magnet for new opportunities and good things that come their way. They're quick to show appreciation for things done for them. When you make others feel good about themselves, you reap the benefits as well.

4. Grateful people take better care of themselves because the don't take their health for granted. They feel that they're blessed and that health is a gift to be cherished.

5. When you feel thankful, even when life is hectic, you're better able to sleep at night knowing that things are going to get better. When you reflect on past blessings, it gives you hope and an assurance that good things are just around the corner.

So you see, being thankful is something we should be doing year-round, not just in November. If you don't already, start keeping a journal or notebook where you record thing you're thankful for.

It's amazing how changing the way you think can make life look a whole lot brighter. So, what are you most thankful for?