In the spirit of Thanksgiving we would like to share with
you the benefits and power of two simple words. THANK YOU.
They are two words that have the power to transform our
health, happiness, athletic performance and success. Research shows that grateful
people are happier and more likely to maintain good friendships.
A state of
gratitude, according to research by the Institute of HeartMath, also improves
the heart's rhythmic functioning, which helps us to reduce stress, think more
clearly under pressure and heal physically. It's actually physiologically
impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. When you are grateful
you flood your body and brain with emotions and endorphins that uplift and
energise you rather than the stress hormones that drain you.
Gratitude and appreciation are also essential for a healthy
work environment. In fact, the number one reason why people leave their jobs is
because they don't feel appreciated. A simple thank you and a show of
appreciation can make all the difference.
Gratitude is like muscle. The more we do with it the
stronger it gets. In this spirit here are 4 ways to practice Thanksgiving every
day of the year.
1. Take a Daily Thank
You Walk - Take a simple 10-minute walk each day and say out loud what you
are thankful for. This will set you up for a positive day.
2. Meal Time Thank
You's - On Thanksgiving, or just at dinner with your friends and family, go
around the table and have each person, including the children at the little
table, say what they are thankful for.
3. Gratitude Visit -
Martin Seligman, Ph.D., the father of positive psychology, suggests that we
write a letter expressing our gratitude to someone. Then we visit this person
and read them the letter. His research shows that people who do this are
measurably happier and less depressed a month later.
4. Say Thank You at
Work – When Doug Conant was the CEO of Campbell Soup he wrote approximately
30,000 thank you notes to his employees and energised the company in the
process. Energise and engage your colleagues and team by letting them know you
are grateful for them and their work. And don’t forget to say thank you to your
clients and customers too.
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
