"Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships." - Robert Emmons

"Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for." - Zig Ziglar

Gratitude can be easily overlooked—and sometimes ignored because of all the difficulties we face in our personal and professional lives and the challenges that we see in the world around us. Yet gratitude is a simple and powerful gift that can aid us with improved overall wellness. 

Key benefits of gratitude include:

• Gratitude improves mental health and well-being. Gratitude is linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as increased life satisfaction, positive emotions, and optimism.
• Gratitude strengthens relationships. Expressing gratitude improves social connections by increasing feelings of appreciation and fostering trust. Gratitude also encourages prosocial behavior like providing support.
• Gratitude promotes positive health behaviors. Gratitude is associated with improved sleep quality, exercise, and seeking medical care when needed. It also correlates with reduced unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking.
• Gratitude boosts productivity. Studies show gratitude increases energy and enthusiasm, leading to greater engagement at work and school. It also strengthens determination and self-efficacy.

This November, consider ways you can increase your gratitude and incorporate it into your daily life. It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. It only requires intention. 

• Keep a gratitude journal. Write down 2-3 things you're grateful for each day. This helps you consciously focus on the goodness in your life.
• Take time to savor positive moments and emotions. Replay these moments and remember these emotions. 
• Say thanks. Express gratitude and appreciation to others in your life, whether it's thanking a friend or writing a thank you note. Verbalizing gratitude strengthens connections.

The most important thing is to intentionally cultivate gratefulness in any way that works for you. Even small consistent efforts can compound over time to produce significant benefits.