I remember when I was a kid, my mom had this rule: my sisters and I had to say ‘thank you’ to everyone. And I mean everyone. The bus driver who took me to Catholic school in downtown Reno, Nevada?
Yup. Even if he looked less than thrilled about driving a bunch of rowdy little girls around, I’d reach up on my tiptoes to drop my dimes and nickels into the rattling fare coin box and mumble my thanks always with a smile.
Or when we’d go to the Woolworth’s drug store (you know, back when they had soda counters), and the nice lady handed me an ice cream float, my mom would prompt, “Say thank you!”—as if I’d forget to be grateful for the pure joy of ice cream. That wasn’t too hard!
Ah, the good ol’ days—coins in the bus meter and ice cream at the drug store. But here’s the thing: saying “thank you” isn’t some old-fashioned relic from the past. In fact, it’s a completely modern, forward-thinking habit.
You might be thinking, “Hey, I say thank you all the time!” And that’s great! But here’s the catch—those tiny “TYs” are more powerful than you might realize when it comes to your health and well-being.
Martin Seligman, the father of the Science of Wellbeing, has done the research. And guess what?
Gratitude is like a little vitamin boost for your happiness levels.
Turns out, those small “thank yous” are a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle that can transform your life.
Why Is Gratitude Good for You?
- Boosts Mood and Happiness: Practicing gratitude activates positive emotions, which, according to Seligman’s research, can significantly elevate mood and overall happiness levels. It’s like hitting a mental “refresh” button!
- Improves Physical Health: Gratitude isn’t just a mind game; it’s good for the body too! Studies show that grateful people tend to experience fewer aches and pains, better sleep, and even stronger immune systems. So, it’s like your personal health booster—no pharmacy visit required!
- Strengthens Relationships: Expressing gratitude strengthens social bonds. Seligman highlights that gratitude builds and nurtures connections with others, making relationships more meaningful and resilient. Saying “thank you” is basically relationship glue!
Ways to Be Grateful
- Make a What-Went-Well list at the end of your day. Or better yet, start a meeting with that instead of what went bad.
- Write a thank-you note to someone you know. Surprise them with an in-person delivery!
- Take a moment to savor the little things and be grateful for your life. Notice the smallest little thing….and be grateful!
Try it out… No, really—do it!
And who knows, you might even thank me for the ideas and the friendly nudge to embrace a little more gratitude in your life!
Oh, and enjoy that Thanksgiving dinner and time with family and friends!!
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Dr. Terry Chase
offers a deep and multi-faceted background and hands-on experience in healthcare and education. Dr. Chase retired in 2023 as Associate Professor of Nursing-Mental Health at Colorado Mesa University. Advanced education includes a Doctorate in Nursing (ND), University of Colorado’s Health Sciences Center; an MA in Spiritual Psychology, University of Santa Monica; an MA in Exercise and Sports Science, University of Denver; and a BA in Physical Education and Sociology, Western State College in Colorado.
Terry is an author with multiple stories published in lit mags across the US as well as her memoir Spoke by Spoke: How a Broken Back and a Broken Bike Led to a WholeHearted Life published in 2021.
She is a self-motivated, highly educated individual who has lived fully with spinal cord injury for 36 years active in all things outdoors, including kayaking, dog walks, cross-country skiing, hand-cycling, and whenever possible, riding horses. Terry lives in Grand Junction with her partner Sharon, her dogs Bucky and Shamly, and Mayzi, a very old cat.
