10 Reasons to Say “Thanks”

Why Gratitude Is Important Now More Than Ever

Gratitude should flow naturally, like taking a deep breath. It’s liberating, cleansing, and immensely beneficial. But breathing is necessary for survival, while appreciation is not. Or is it?

The answer is yes!

In essence, gratitude is critical for surviving and thriving. It’s the antidote to anxiety, stress, guilt, and strife, along with combating the root of all of it — fear. It’s a practice that helps you start your day on a high note, forge mutually beneficial relationships, and give you hope for a brighter future. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The benefits of a gratitude practice are continually being researched, measured, and expanded upon. One glance at Thanks by Robert Emmons, The Gratitude Express by Walter Green or The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor provides evidentiary proof that gratitude reaps extraordinary internal and external benefits. Of course, there’s no time like the present to get started. It’s the reason for the season. And yes, it’s National Thank You Month.

If this doesn’t convince you to start saying “thanks” more often, check out these ten reasons why you should be more grateful.

Gratitude is a Gift. “Expressing gratitude doesn’t just transform the individual — it creates a ripple effect that uplifts others,” says Sheena Yap Chan, keynote speaker and Wall Street Journal bestselling author on confidence and leadership. “Whether acknowledging a coworker’s effort, showing appreciation to family, or giving back to the community, gratitude strengthens relationships and fosters a culture of kindness and collaboration.”

Expressing genuine gratitude makes others feel valued, and that is one of the most coveted and transformational gifts you can give. And it doesn’t cost a dime.

It also makes you feel good, lifts your spirits, makes you more optimistic, and gives you an emotional high. However, the mutually beneficial gift of gratitude first requires shifting from a perspective of entitlement to one of genuine appreciation and positivity.

“Gratefulness requires that we look at something through a lens (or framework) of appreciation,” says Sandra Wint, Gestalt Professional Certified Coach and founder of ME-HER-US. “We all tend to confirmation bias — the idea that we look for data that supports a position we already hold. If we have already decided we’re unhappy about something, we will see data that confirms and supports our position.

“When we use gratefulness, we seek data that supports our position of appreciation, gratitude, and thankfulness. It allows us to open our hearts and compassion in unexpected ways. This can be particularly helpful when we’re in a negative relationship pattern. When this happens, we look for ways the relationship falls short of our expectations. Shifting into gratefulness can open our position to acknowledge the aspects that are supportive and affirming without imparting unrealistic expectations, embracing “rose-colored glasses,” or becoming completely mired in negativity.”

Gratitude Improves Health. Studies show gratitude can be a powerful tool for improving mood and managing stress.

“Gratitude stimulates the secretion of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which supports energy, connection, and overall well-being,” says Lauren Farina, LCSW, Psychotherapist and Founder of Invited Psychotherapy and Coaching. “What’s more is that our nervous system is always scanning for safety or danger cues. When we feel threatened, our stress response is activated, which triggers feelings of fear or anxiety. Practicing gratitude can help send safety cues to our mind and body, calming the stress response and promoting a state of calm.”

When you express gratitude, even by giving yourself grace, you’re reprogramming your brain from constant problem-solving to a more receptive process.

“Gratitude activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and recover from stress,” says Carrie Speed, founder of Joyful Rising. “By reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boosting feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, gratitude supports better heart health, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system.” Oxytocin, the “happiness hormone,” is also released, giving you a natural mood lift. “Focusing on what we’re grateful for can inspire healthier choices like eating well, exercising, or spending quality time with loved ones — all of which contribute to overall health.”

Gratitude Promotes Mindfulness. Practicing gratitude encourages you to focus on the here and now.

“In this day and age, it’s easy to get caught up in the worries of daily life and uncertainty of the future (especially in our current polarized political climate),” says Dr. Anne Hussain, a naturopathic doctor and author of The Period Literacy Handbook. “To create a better future, we have to hold on to hope, and we have to take action — both require us to pause, build in rest, and appreciate how far we’ve come individually and collectively.”

Turning inward and focusing on your breath and good fortune is a mindfulness mantra that steadies your heart rate.

“Gratitude serves as an anchor, grounding us in the present moment and reminding us of the good amidst life’s challenges,” says Dr. Kyra Bobinet, MD, MPH. “In my research, I’ve observed how this practice can quiet the brain’s ‘habenula hijack,’ which suppresses motivation when focusing on failure or unmet expectations. Gratitude is a way to disrupt that cycle, creating room for growth and joy.”

Gratitude Fosters Compromise. “Often, when we’re engaging with others through a situation or relationship in which our frame of reference is negative, we can become entrenched in our positions, digging our heels in deeper or even missing critical data that doesn’t align with our position,” says Sandra. She encourages anyone who wants to develop a gratitude practice to start with inner work, creating new insights into their self-view and relational attitudes.

“Awareness is the first step towards creating gratitude in yourself and approaching the inside work,” she says. Taking a position of gratitude opens the mind to examining the dilemma with a supportive, helpful perspective. “An approach of gratefulness can facilitate finding ways to navigate a situation with another. Working to recognize the benefits as well as areas for potential improvements, this approach creates room for compromise.”

When you focus on strengths and opportunities, both parties are more gracious and more likely to find a healthy compromise.

Gratitude Improves Outlook. “The brain’s salience network compels us to pursue what is known, familiar, and safe,” says Lauren. “Due to this tendency, we seek situations aligning with our beliefs about ourselves and the world. Being grateful for the things that go well for us helps us to create a new narrative that supports confidence, positivity, and well-being.” Regular gratitude practice rewires the brain for a more positive outlook.

“When we are grateful, we tend to subconsciously seek more reasons to be grateful, creating a positive feedback loop,” she says. “Many folks find that the more they practice gratitude, the more things they find to be grateful for. With practice, gratitude helps us filter the world through a new perspective that supports mood, performance, and overall well-being.”

Gratitude Increases Success. Saying “please” and “thanks” is a simple habit requiring little effort but wields considerable firepower. Giving thanks changes how your brain manages stress and even offers an emotional high that lasts much longer than a cup of coffee. Though we all enjoy a little positive reinforcement for our efforts, saying “thanks” is critical for career success.

“Professionally, practicing gratitude fosters resilience, builds stronger relationships, and cultivates a growth-oriented mindset that drives career success, says Sheena. Genuine gratitude can be expressed anytime and anywhere. Taking a minute to share appreciation as you pass someone in the hallway or stopping by their desk to say a quick ‘thank you’ shows you care. Taking time out of your busy schedule to share your gratitude has an impact. Even though it only takes a minute, it requires focus and intent.

Appreciation improves everyone’s mood, elevates the culture, and, when shared authentically, makes you the person people want to work with and for.

Gratitude Changes Perspectives. In today’s polarized and fast-paced world, gratitude is a radical act of connection and perspective,” says Dr. Bobinet. “It allows us to find common ground and appreciate shared humanity, even amidst disagreement or adversity. As an expert in brain science and behavior change, I’ve spent my career helping people understand how the brain shapes their actions. Gratitude aligns with the brain’s natural inclinations toward connection and reward, making it a cornerstone of well-being and resilience.”

Remaining grateful can be challenging in a climate of change, divisiveness, and confusion. However, appreciation can go a long way toward bringing down walls and building bridges.

“There’s a climate of righteousness on whichever side you represent with a lack of compassion or empathy for another’s lived experience,” says Sandra. “The reality is that neither side has all the answers, the moral truth, or even flawless intentions. Duality implies polarity. A blanket Yea or Nay response to very complex issues. What is right and just for one person is morally incomprehensible to another.” She believes that gratefulness can foster a climate of vulnerability and openness that allows people to sit in each other’s lived experiences.

“When we’re willing to hold space for another, we learn to see others with a different lens and a more nuanced appreciation,” she says. “They’re no longer completely right or completely wrong. We start to see them for the imperfectly flawed humans we are, which also allows us to be seen as human.”

Gratitude is Contagious. Your practice of gratitude has a ripple effect. “A genuine thank-you or recognition makes people feel valued and drives them to contribute more,” says Clark Lowe, President and CEO of the O’Connor Company.

“When someone feels appreciated, they’ll spread that energy around, which is contagious.” Creating a culture of gratitude improves the work and home environment, instilling a habit of looking for possibilities instead of problems. “Right now, negativity spreads faster than wildfire. Gratitude reminds us to focus on solutions and what’s working,” says Clark. He believes the more you practice gratitude, the more everyone benefits. It eases the tension in the room and makes tough conversations more productive. Of course, genuine gratitude builds cohesion and trust. “In work or life, people rally behind someone who appreciates their efforts.

When we are grateful, we tend to seek out more reasons to be grateful subconsciously, creating a positive feedback loop,” says Lauren. “Many folks find that the more they practice gratitude, the more things they find to be grateful for. With practice, gratitude helps us filter the world through a new perspective that supports mood, performance, and overall well-being.”

Gratitude Promotes Rest. In numerous articles citing the benefits of gratitude, sleep is consistently listed as the top benefit. In a world filled with stress, electronics, overwhelming schedules, and poor diet choices, this coveted recovery health strategy is constantly threatened. A good night’s sleep is critical for a robust immune system, mental acuity, elevated moods, and good health. Gratitude is an easy way to get the ZZZs you need.

Gratitude quiets the mind by shifting your focus from worries to positive reflections, making it easier to relax before bed,” says Carrie. “Writing down or reflecting on what you’re grateful for before sleeping has been shown in studies to reduce intrusive thoughts and calm the nervous system, leading to falling asleep faster and experiencing deeper, more restorative sleep. It’s like giving your brain permission to rest with a sense of peace and contentment.”

If you’re a fan of the movie White Christmas, you probably recall insightful wisdom imparted by crooner Bing Crosby. “Count your blessings instead of sheep.”

There’s a reason that line sticks. It works! And it works both ways. In an article entitled “Snooze Your Way to a Better Night’s Sleep,” Baylor University Researchers believe that counting blessings or updating a gratitude journal before bed promotes rest. An extended restful sleep, in turn, improves one’s propensity for gratitude, among other benefits.

Gratitude is Easy. Don’t overthink this. And don’t feel overwhelmed about starting a gratitude practice. Start small and start with yourself. At the end or start of the day, recount a few things you’re grateful for, along with your actions, characteristics, or behaviors you are most proud of. Then, slowly extend this gratitude out into the world. Saying “thanks” to the barista for your coffee or writing a long-overdue note are easy, day-brightening ways to get started.

“Quantity over quality is important here, as no gesture is too small,” says Lauren. “Identify to whom you’d like to express gratitude for those things. Whether via email, text, phone, or handwritten note, it’s important to seek opportunities to say, “thank you actively.” Joy shared is joy amplified. The human connection facilitated by this approach will also bolster the feelings of well-being inherent in gratitude practice.”

Since it’s the season of gratitude, what could be a more cherished tradition than giving the gift of appreciation?

Turn this into an activity for your team, friends, and family. Collectively share your blessings and what you’re grateful for. Then, challenge one another to start a daily gratitude practice that extends into the New Year. Keep in mind that gratitude isn’t simply about saying “thanks.” Instead, it’s a way of living. One that offers continual hits of “joy

“Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for transforming our mindset and positively influencing every aspect of our lives,” reminds Sheena. “We should be grateful because it allows us to recognize our abundance and shift focus from lack to sufficiency. This simple act can unlock joy and contentment, even during challenging times.”

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