Laughter has long been said to be the best medicine, but upcoming research is showing gratitude to be a major component in the path towards a happy and healthy life. Scientific findings have shown that, when we focus on and appreciate the positive parts of life, we can enhance our overall well-being. So, what are some rewards of gratitude? Here, in honor of this Thanksgiving month, are some of the findings on the rewards of feeling thankful as well as tips on how to be more thankful in everyday life.

1. A good night’s sleep may bring out gratefulness. In 2009, researchers found that gratitude predicted greater sleep quality and sleep duration and less dysfunction in those studied. Thus, focusing on more positive thoughts can be a great addition to your nighttime routine.

2. When it comes to mental health, gratitude can particularly benefit levels of stress and depression. One 2008 study found that gratitude seemed to foster social support and protect people from stress and depression. Similarly, a study from 2018 discovered gratitude “may not only have a negative influence on depression, but may also counteract the symptoms of depression by enhancing a state of peace of mind and reducing ruminative thinking.” If you have struggled with depression, you know what it’s like to be stuck in rumination. Enhancing gratitude could serve as a tool to help alleviate depression.

3. Recently, high school students from four different schools participated in a study in which they aimed to eat healthier. Researchers found that the students who expressed gratitude reported healthier eating over time. The researchers concluded that “gratitude-based interventions may facilitate improvements in healthy eating behavior,” a goal that many people have for their health.

You should aim to take at least five minutes a day to reflect on what we’re grateful for. What are some things in our day that you can appreciate? Whether it’s getting to the office or flying to another country, it’s easy to take note of and tally up our frustrations. We tend to take what is good for granted, while focusing on anything going wrong. Yet, taking minutes to shift our perspective, you may notice how delicious your morning coffee tasted as or how easygoing your partner was about a task. The important thing is simply to carve out that time to reflect.

Rewards of gratitude journals have been reported by everyone from wellness bloggers to health researchers. Keeping a gratitude journal can enhance your happiness. It is important to remember there is no wrong way to use this journal as long as you are using it to connect everything that ignites your gratitude. Each of these practices offers a way to connect to our gratitude, however, you may find our own approach that helps you focus on the positive aspects of life or just your day. Additionally, this can help connect you to positive emotions and can better your relationships. There is really no negative to being thankful, not just for celebration, but a goal and practice.