December 17 is National Say It Now Day as a day to tell friends and loved ones how important they are to us by expressing gratitude for all the ways they’ve impacted our lives. With the year winding down, it’s the perfect time to show gratitude to those around us for all they have done during the year. 

#NationalSayItNowDay

We all need to make time for gratitude. National Say It Now Day gives us a chance to pause and reflect on what people mean to us. We encourage people everywhere to take a moment to tell their friends and loved ones how much they mean to them while they are still around to hear it. Don’t wait! Say It Now! 

Practicing gratitude is more than saying “thank you.” It’s about showing appreciation for the good things brought into our life. Each time we practice gratitude, we create a sense of happiness and positivity. In fact, the happiness we create not only shifts our own thinking, it also shifts the thinking of those receiving it. 

5 Benefits of Gratitude

Research shows that gratitude can enhance our moods, decrease stress and improve our overall health and wellbeing. On average, grateful people tend to have fewer stress-related illnesses. Research also shows people who show and practice gratitude are more physically fit, happier, and have more satisfying personal and professional relationships, too. Showing consistent gratitude improves:

1. Mental Health – Gratitude has been known to help people feel happier. In fact, showing gratitude helps reduce anxiety and depression and even manager stress. 
2. Self-Esteem – Showing gratitude motivates people to care for themselves, both physically and mentally. When someone practices gratitude daily, they become more aware of the positive impact it has. 
3. Relationships – Practicing gratitude strengthens relationships with others. Each time you show gratitude you share positive emotions that encourage others to return the kindness.
4. Positive mindset – People who practice gratitude daily tend to face obstacles in a more optimistic manner, including solving problems and making decisions without over-reacting.
5. Builds Resilience – Each time we practice gratitude, we learn to focus on positive emotions, which results in healing or recovering from hardship quicker and easier. By facing any obstacle life throws at us with gratitude and grace, we program our brain to realize moments of uncertainty are only temporary.