Thanksgiving is more than just a day on the calendar to eat heartily with family. Underlying the Day of Thanksgiving is God‘s call to us to be grateful for all that He has given to us. And why does He want us to be thankful? First, He deserves it. Second, because He knows it’s good for us.
Well, it turns out that God is right! (Are we too often surprised when God’s instructions turn out to be for our good? 😀) Expressing gratitude is beneficial for us, and modern science has confirmed that it is good for the body, soul, and mind. In this article, I’ll look at some of the science that validates the power of gratitude and then give you a few ways that you can incorporate more gratitude into this Thanksgiving Day.
The Science Behind Gratitude’s Healing Power
Over the last 20 years or so, researchers from various disciplines have examined the effects of gratitude. The results are pretty amazing.
1. Gratitude Reduces Depression and Anxiety
In a meta-analysis of 62 studies, including more than 26,000 people, researchers found that those who were more grateful had lower rates of depression and greater satisfaction with their lives [1]. Gratitude helps people focus on positive thoughts rather than negative ones. When we are grateful, we break the negative thought pattern and we become more emotionally resilient.
2. Gratitude Lowers Stress and Strengthens the Immune System
Chronic stress activates the fight-or-flight response, which elevates cortisol levels. This leads to a weaker immune system and more inflammation in the body. Gratitude, on the other hand, helps you relax, activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This reduces inflammatory markers. One study showed that gratitude journaling actually lowered diastolic blood pressure in just two weeks.
3. Gratitude Improves Sleep and Heart Health
Did you know that those who practice gratitude before bed fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply? Sounds like a great way to end your day, doesn’t it? Also, in a large study from the Nurses Health Study that followed almost 50,000 older women, the researchers found that those with the highest gratitude scores had a 9% lower risk of death over a three-year period, especially from heart disease.
4. Gratitude Rewires the Brain
Brain imaging studies show that gratitude activates the prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain involved in making decisions). Gratitude releases dopamine and serotonin in the brain, elevating your mood. Doing this consistently over time strengthens the neural pathways for joy and helps reduce reactivity to stress.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Science echoes Scripture: gratitude is medicine for the body, soul, and mind.
The Hallelujah Diet Gives You Many Reasons to be Grateful
The Hallelujah Diet, based on Genesis 1:29, promotes the body’s natural healing process with raw, living plant foods. However, to truly improve, you need more than just nutrition. You need a grateful heart.
When you give thanks for the benefits of the Hallelujah Diet, you reinforce those health-giving disciplines with joy. A joyful heart is indeed good medicine.
A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)
Here are a couple of things you might be grateful for, too:
- Vibrant energy from vegetable juices and green smoothies
- Clarity of mind from less inflammation in your body.
- Strength to serve others because your health has been restored.
Studies show that when people are grateful, they’re more likely to stick with healthy diets, get regular exercise, and avoid emotional eating.
So on those days when the Hallelujah Diet seems complicated, give thanks for the benefits that you are receiving. It’ll help you get through those tough days.
This Thanksgiving, Take Extra Time to Be Grateful
This Thanksgiving, dedicate at least 15 minutes for quiet reflection. Consider aloud or journal the benefits you’ve received.
Think of three specific health blessings you have personally received through your diet. Here are some examples:
- I’m grateful that I have less joint pain.
- I’m thankful for restful sleep and steady energy through the day.
- I’m grateful that I don’t get sick very often.
- I’m grateful that I’m not afraid of getting a disease in the future.
- I’m thankful that I was able to overcome my health challenges.
Now think of three things that you’re grateful for beyond just your health. Here are some examples:
- I’m grateful for my family and friends around the table.
- I’m grateful for the beauty of nature where I live.
- I’m grateful for the spiritual blessings of salvation, forgiveness, and hope for a bright future forever with Jesus Christ.
- I’m grateful for God’s provisions day by day. I have plenty of food, clothing, and shelter, and much, much more than I need.
In previous years with our children, we have used an acrostic from A to Z and write in something or someone we’re thankful for for each letter of the alphabet. You might try that as an exercise with young children.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men! —Psalms 107:8, 15, 21, 31 (NKJV)
Gratitude is Just What the Great Physician Ordered
Gratitude isn’t a feeling. It may start as a feeling, but it’s really a choice to have a positive outlook on life that brings joy to your heart. Just as nourishing foods feed the body, gratitude nourishes the body, soul, and mind.
So go ahead, indulge yourself in some extra gratitude this Thanksgiving. It’s just what the Great Physician has ordered.