Thanksgiving is a biblical concept, and social science supports how vital this practice is for wellbeing. According to Harvard Health Publications, here are three ways giving thanks improves quality of life:

1. Gratitude Improves Happiness and Health
One study focused on journaling. Those who wrote about what they were grateful for daily were more optimistic and happier than others after 10 weeks. The group who focused on gratitude also exercised more than others and paid fewer visits to the doctor.

2. Gratitude Improves Relationships
According to Harvard, “A study of couples found that individuals who took time to express gratitude for their partner not only felt more positive toward the other person but also felt more comfortable expressing concerns about their relationship.”

3. Gratitude Improves Work Ethic in Employees
Employees who feel appreciated work harder. In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, students who were doing fundraising on behalf of the school were split into two groups. One group was encouraged and thanked for their efforts by the director of annual giving, and in the following week, that group made 50 percent more calls than the control group. 

To learn how giving thanks specifically affects your leadership style, read “How Gratitude Makes You a Better Leader.”