The Power Of Thank You

Next time you feel hard done by, practise gratitude to feel healthier and happier...

- Christabel Smith

We all love to moan – and not just about politics. Popular topics include traffic, the weather, potholes and – unsurprisingly – other people.

Yet by switching our mindset and introducing a little gratitude into our lives, we can focus on what we do have, rather than what we don’t. Gratitude reduces stress, improves sleep, boosts spirits and makes us powerful because it’s the glue that keeps communities together. When our parents taught us to say “thank you”, it wasn’t for good manners alone. Follow these seven pointers to help you learn to harness happiness and the healing power that comes from being thankful.

1 ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR LOVED ONES DOING SOMETHING GOOD

People aren’t mind readers, so you need to spell it out for them that they matter. Studies show that appreciation strengthens bonds. Psychologist Dacher Keltner says couples who express gratitude to each other are more than three times less likely to split up.

DO IT No need to gush. A simple “thank you for doing the groceries/taking the rubbish out” will do the trick. Some experts go as far as to say sorting the recycling is the most romantic gesture of all!