It’s Healthy to Say “Thank You”
Article By | Baylor Scott and White Hospital & Dr. Robert Wiprud
As we head deeper into fall and the holidays loom in the distance, you may begin to reflect on thankfulness. It’s tradition to think about what you’re grateful for this time of year. But can thankfulness affect your physical health?
Robert Wiprud, MD, family medicine, Baylor Scott & White – College Station Region explained that gratitude may have more to do with health than you think.
According to Dr. Wiprud, patients who are thankful tend to:
Get better sleep.
Take better care of their health.
Feel more comfortable coming in for check-ups with their doctor.
Have reduced depression symptoms and have a sense of well-being.
Feel greater empathy toward others and greater self esteem .
Have decreased aggression.
The Journal of Applied Sports Psychology published a study in 2014 of athletes taught mindful activities like gratitude that led to greater athletic performance and increased resilience after trauma (Chen, Wu, 2014).
One exercise Dr. Wiprud suggests to his patients wishing to practice gratitude is shifting their focus from what has happened to them to the good things happening all around them.
He adds, “Being fixed on a diagnosis is not a healthy way to live. Sometimes a change in perspective can help a patient move on from an illness, injury, or emotional issue.”
Dr. Wiprud believes that taking the focus off oneself is helpful when trying to heal from any hurt. “Being reminded to think of others rather than yourself can lead to an improved sense of self-worth and contentment. Giving of yourself to others is a key in a satisfying life,” he mused.
Dr. Wiprud says some his favorite moments are spent with his family reflecting on their blessings. It’s a tradition for the Wipruds to comment something they’re thankful for on Thanksgiving.
When asked what he’ll say at dinner this year, Wiprud replied, “I’m thankful for my wonderful wife, Pam, and our three children, Robbie, Miranda, and Carly. Then there’s their spouses, Alex and Laura and my three best buddies Lucas, Lincoln, and Lawson (my grandsons). I’m also very grateful for my health and ability to do the activities I enjoy regularly, like teaching clinical medicine to future doctors for the past 28 years.”