While the endless supply of dinner rolls and decadent desserts may not exactly be helping your health, the overall idea behind Thanksgiving can have a positive impact on your well being, both in the short and long term.
That’s because gratitude is closely tied with optimism, which has been shown to support both mental and physical health. Even taking just a moment to think about the things you’re grateful for can help you achieve a positive outlook.
In addition to making you feel all warm and fuzzy, those grateful thoughts can lead to other long-term positive lifestyle activities. As a whole, optimistic people, including those who regularly express gratitude and thankfulness, are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, balanced eating and preventive doctor’s visits.
And if the upcoming holiday season has you feeling frazzled, stopping to give thanks can also help your body better manage the stresses of daily life, and in turn support normal immune function.
So go ahead and have that piece of pumpkin pie ““ but be sure to thank the person who made it!
From the Vitacost family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!