Giving Thanks...
Dr. Quiauna Scott
Health Benefits of Gratitude
What are you grateful for? There are multiple reasons why we should make gratitude a daily practice — research has shown that being thankful increases health benefits, from improved immune systems to feelings of connectedness, even higher team morale.
1. Good for the heart. A 1995 study in the American Journal of Cardiology showed that appreciation and positive emotions are linked with changes in heart rate variability.
2. Good for the immune system. Gratefulness is linked with optimism, which in turn is linked with better immune health WebMD reported.
3. Reduces stress. WebMD reported that negative events can boost gratitude and that gratitude can help to boost feelings of belonging and decrease feelings of stress.
4. Improves sleep. Writing down what you’re thankful for as you drift off to sleep can help you get better ZZz's, according to a study in the Journal of Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.
As we approach Week 12 of the school year, I am filled with much joy and gratitude for the Emery staff, students, and community. While there are times that can be challenging, there are far more times that demonstrate our strength, commitment, excellence, and happiness, collectively. We can view the world from a lens of half empty or half full. Perspective is everything and impacts our outcomes. I chose to see the world as full...full of endless possibilities for each of you!