It’s a time of year focussed on gratitude, giving and new beginnings. But, did you know that studies have shown that people who regularly practice giving thanks are happier and healthier?

According to a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, people who regularly practice feeling thankful have an advantage when it comes to health and maintaining a positive attitude.

Some of these studies, along with studies from the University of Utah, suggest that grateful people are more likely to:

• Feel happier and more optimistic
• Take better care of themselves physically and mentally
• Engage in more protective health behaviors and maintenance
• Get more regular exercise and eat a healthier diet
• Have improved mental alertness; and,
• Cope better with stress and daily challenges

Your attitude plays the largest role in determining whether you feel grateful in spite of life’s challenges. Next time you’re stuck in traffic just reframe the situation in your mind, instead of being stuck you have solitude to think about all of the things for which you are thankful.

You may assume that those with more material possessions have more to be grateful for.

However it’s not how much you have, but how you feel about what you have that makes the difference. Why not make a difference in someone else’s world? I know you’ve made a difference in mine.

Thank you for your continued support and I wish you the very best for the year ahead!

Best regards,

Terence Tobin