The benefits of saying Thank You
Some really good reasons why we must remember to say thanks!
So often in our busy consumer-driven modern world it is all too easy to forget the good manners we may have been taught many years ago. Often we are brought up with strict expectations that we remember our “pleases” and “thank yous”. In the period between Christmas and New Year or after a celebration it is tempting to set aside the list of people to thank as a sense of relief descends that the stress of the big event is over. However, in doing so we are forgetting to acknowledge the endless worries involved in purchasing gifts, wrapping them up, posting or transporting them and the stress that lies behind each gift that we receive.
Saying thanks to rarely-seen relatives for the thought, care and dedication that has gone into each carefully-wrapped parcel that arrived in our homes is actually good for us too. Here are a couple of reasons why we should be more mindful about saying thank you:
Improved relationships – words of thanks make others feel appreciated, spreads love and opens doors to more meaningful relationships.
Good physical health – saying thank you lowers blood pressure, improves immunity, helps us sleep and leads to healthier hearts (yes, really).
Better mental health – gratitude increases happiness, decreases depression as well as enhancing empathy and reducing aggression.
Brings abundance in life – saying thank you to others can bring good back to us in unexpected ways as others are more likely to help us in return.
Positive ripple effect – as well as improving our own self-esteem and the wellbeing of those we give thanks to, witnesses to our thanks are affected positively as well.
It is interesting to note that our physical environment can make a huge difference to the words that we write. Our words will be more genuine if we are genuinely thankful. What might help you to set the scene are: a bracing walk in the fresh air, sitting down with a cuppa and having everything needed to hand. Jot down some interesting facts to share in your notes, let the words flow and remember that your words will be treasured so much more if they come from a place of genuine gratitude and kindness.
Finally, two tips on how to make your thank you special:
Make it personal – include specifics!
Make it about them – highlight their kindness and make them feel good.
Emma’s thoughts…
Words of thanks have a positive effect on our relationships: We are social beings who need each other and genuine thanks improves our relationships.
Thanks helps others: Acknowledging kindness around us increases social connections and helps others to feel seen and appreciated.
Thanks should not be reserved for special occasions: Verifying the little acts can change the whole course of another person’s day.
Not all thanks need to be verbal: You might be able to say thanks through your actions as well as your words.
“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”
James Allen