November marks the National Month of Gratitude in the United States. It provides a perfect time to reflect on what we have. Also, as how others impact our daily lives. David Steindl-Rast said, “The root of joy is gratefulness.” It seems like this is more than just a quotable line. In fact, a large body of research supports the fact that gratitude can help us feel happier, live healthier, and create more positive lives.
The Science of Gratitude
Practicing gratitude helps us change our perspective and be happier with what we have, and research supports that notion. The practice of gratitude journaling can have myriad benefits, from boosting your immune system to decreasing feelings of isolation or depression, according to Robert Emmons, a psychologist at the University of California, Davis.
The best way to practice an attitude of gratitude is to consciously recognize the things for which you’re grateful each day. Taking a moment out of your hectic schedule to document the things for which are thankful helps you change perspective and focus on the positive. Be specific when detailing your gratitude – for example, consider “my kids did their homework without complaint” as a ray of positivity on a stressful day.
What Gratitude Can Do for You
- Improve mental and physical health. Being consciously grateful can reduce the amount of toxic emotions we experience, such as envy and rage, while increasing happiness. This also increases your likelihood of practicing other positive life changes such as exercise and better sleep habits.
- Enhance your self-esteem. One study found that practicing gratitude increases self-esteem by decreasing social comparisons. Rather than being jealous of other’s accomplishments, people who practice gratitude are more likely to appreciate their own achievements.
We Are Grateful For You
We find this November to be the perfect time to reflect on what we're grateful for and share it with you. We've been in the practice of dental health for many decades, we have the privilege of treating generations of families. Some of our families have been coming to us for four generations! We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and to you, our patients. Your family is important to us and we cherish every interaction we have with you.
At Mid Cities Dental Office, we recognize how lucky we are to share in your lives. That’s why we wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU for choosing us for your dental health needs. We hope you enjoy your own month of gratitude and look forward to serving you in the future. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving and have a safe and happy season!