The Power Of Thank You

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

- Christabel Smith

Brits love to moan. We do it up to 28 times every 24 hours – and not just about Brexit! Popular topics in our daily whinge-athon 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 how to harness the healing power and happiness 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 to 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 There’s no need to gush. A simple “thank you for picking me up from the station/taking the rubbish out” will do the trick. Some experts even go as far as to say sorting the bins is the most romantic gesture of all!