Saying Thanks Can Make You Well

Psychologists have discovered that people who are grateful on a regular basis are healthier in many ways: they have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, less anxiety and depression, fewer symptoms of illness, and are less bothered by aches and pains when they are sick; they sleep better, get more hours of sleep, wake up less often, and feel more rested when they do wake up’ they recover better from traumatic events, cope better with PTSD, have stronger relationships with those close to them, and forgive more easily.  

So, one of the most helpful things we can do to look after ourselves and the people around us is to practice being grateful. There is a story in the Bible about ten lepers whom Jesus cured of their leprosy, but only one came back to say thank you, and that was the one who was made really well. The other ten were cured of that one disease, but only the one who gave thanks experienced real health.