In England, we might not celebrate Thanks Giving like our friends across the pond, but let’s take a moment to reflect on this wonderful tradition.
Spending time with loved ones, gathering around the table to share a meal with friends and family and taking time to say that you are thankful. That’s what it is all about.
And gratitude is the single most scientifically proven practice of happiness.
While that doesn’t mean you’ll be happy 24/7, it does mean that you’ll be able to face challenges with positivity and have the ability to bounce back to happiness more often.
Our carer beneficiaires have more than their fair share of reasons to feel exhausted and anxious yet, what we know them best for is their warmth and ability to see all the things they are grateful for. To us, gratitude is a quality they have in abundance.
So what’s so special about gratitude?
Practicing gratitude has had such an impact on happiness in our society that it’s getting major notice in research and scientific circles.
So far, the list of scientifically proven benefits for the practice of gratitude includes:
- Better sleep
- More energy
- Less anxiety
- Less depression
- Fewer headaches
- More forgiving attitudes
- More social connectivity
Robert A. Emmons, PhD, and Michael McCullough, PhD conducted a study and found that simply writing five things down that you’re thankful for from the previous week can have as much as 25% difference in happiness levels, when compared to writing five negative things down from the week.
Dr. Emmons conducted an additional study on gratitude in which people saw not only a greater gratitude boost, but a greater boost in their giving– directly contributing to the happiness and gratitude of others.
In other words, gratitude is contagious.
In the spirit of the thanks giving, you literally GIVE as much as you GET.
We are grateful for the gift of Kingham Cottage, the beneficiaries we meet and support, the support of NW Anglia NHS Foundation, the Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk, The Big Lottery Fund, Together for Short Lives and so many more hospices and charities that serve the people we serve.
We thank you.