12/10/2026
đ This đ¨đŚ Thanksgiving, letâs talk about the science of gratitudeđđť
Gratitude is more than saying âthank you.â Itâs a psychological practice that can influence how we experience ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.
Research supports its benefitsđľđťââď¸â
A 2023 meta-analysis of 64 randomized trials found that gratitude interventions were associated with improved mental health, more positive emotions, and reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms.
And hereâs something important: Gratitude isnât about denying whatâs difficult. Itâs about making room for whatâs good ALONGSIDE whatâs hard.
You can be grateful and grieving.
You can be grateful and disappointed.
You can appreciate your life while still wanting things to change.
So how can we practise gratitude beyond Thanksgiving?
đ Gratitude journaling: Write down three things youâre grateful for and WHY they matter to you.
đ Gratitude letters: Write to someone who has positively influenced your life. You can send it or keep it for yourself.
đż Mindful appreciation: Pause to notice the small things you might otherwise overlookâŚa warm drink, a beautiful sunset, a moment of peaceâŚin essence the noticing the glimmersđ
â¤ď¸ Expressed gratitude: Tell someone specifically what you appreciate about them and the impact theyâve had on you.
đ§ Gratitude meditation: Spend a few minutes bringing your attention to people, experiences, or opportunities you appreciate.
đ Evening reflection: Before bed, recall one meaningful or pleasant moment from your day.
⨠Gratitude during difficulty: Without minimizing your struggles, ask yourself, âWhat is still supporting me through this?â
The goal isnât to force positivity. Itâs to develop the capacity to notice goodness without dismissing pain.
This Thanksgiving, what is one thing youâre genuinely grateful for? đ
âď¸ Share this with someone youâre grateful for.
đ Save this to practise gratitude beyond Thanksgiving.