Being Thankful Is Good for You

This year, before you dive into the turkey and stuffing at Thanksgiving, take a few moments to express and experience gratitude. According to researchers from the University of California, Davis, grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality and optimism—and lower levels of depression and stress.

What's more, people who kept journals about gratitude on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms and felt better about their lives as a whole than people who recorded negative or neutral life events. The researchers also noted that young adults who participated in daily self-guided gratitude exercises reported higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination and energy.

So take the time to count your blessings at Thanksgiving—and every day. You may just be healthier as a result.