Gratitude and Well-being: The Mental Health Benefits of November Thanksgiving

November brings on the Thanksgiving season, one that is all about family and

feasting and most of all, thankfulness. This holiday is something of nice meals and

gathering but also a chance to make a positive influence on mental health. It can

become that trigger for improvement in emotional well-being if Thanksgiving is to be

associated with thankfulness.

The Gratitude Connection: Gratitude is much more than a warm, fuzzy feeling. It's

scientifically supported as a practice that can dramatically improve mental health. In

fact, numerous studies have shown that the regular expression of gratitude will help

to increase mood, improve resilience, and enhance overall happiness. During

Thanksgiving, we take the time to reflect on what we are thankful for. It cultivates a

positive mindset that carries us through the year.

It can also be used to reduce stress and anxiety. Concentrating on the good things

happening in life and expressing gratitude over the good things brings our focus

away from negative thinking. A shift in concentration leads to the reduction of cortisol

levels, thus making one calmer and more relaxed. Thanksgiving, therefore, offers the

perfect moment to adopt this mind-set of reducing stress.

Strengthen Social Bonding: Thanksgiving provides for the much-needed opportunity

to meet up with family and friends during the Thanksgiving season, a basic

component of mental health. An individual with strong social ties has more emotional

support from others, reduced loneliness and isolation, and higher levels of general

psychological well-being. A shared meal under the roof of expressing gratitude is a

source for strengthening social bonds to engender feelings of belonging to a

community.

It could be during Thanksgiving meals that mindful eating may take place. Each

piece, in this case, will be savoured and, hence, appreciated to a large extent,

reducing the chance of overeating and creating healthier eating habits.

Thanksgiving is more than just overindulgence; it is a time to provide the best care

for our minds through gratitude, socialisation, and mindfulness. True Thanksgiving

spirit can improve wellbeing and carry the benefits from this holiday into daily lives.