Saying 'Thank You'

July 13, 2020

Louis Tay

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for” – Zig Ziglar

Expressing gratitude is important for your relationships and yourself.

In the busyness and stressfulness of life, many people hurry right past the emotion and expression of gratitude. It is certainly understandable – and we can be overwhelmed by all the events around us.

Yet, pausing long enough to say “thank you” can build up your relationships and encourage a mindset that looks outward to the positive qualities and actions of others.

And perhaps even more so during these times, there are more “thank you’s” that can be expressed.

  • Heroes in healthcare working tirelessly on COVID
  • Family members and friends who have come alongside you
  • Faculty and staff who are working on your behalf
  • Other students who are supporting you
  • Purdue leaders who are seeking to help reopen Purdue safely in the Fall

Gratitude is a gift to others. It is a personal acknowledgment of the time, energy, care, and sacrifice someone has made on your behalf. It motivates you to cherish the positive characteristics you see – and it encourages the person receiving it. It can transform a self-centered mindset to an others-centered mindset. Practicing gratitude helps catch our inclination to complain about things and others; we focus less on the misses but the wins. And frankly, many of us would rather be with someone grateful than someone grumbling.

Research shows that individuals who have a grateful disposition, and those who actively practice gratitude, have higher levels of emotional and social well-being.

Some of these gratitude practices include:

  • Daily journaling of things, events, and people one is grateful for
  • Writing letters or emails of gratitude to others
  • Thinking about three good things at the end of the day or...

Can you think of ways to practice gratitude in your life?

Could you take the time to write a thank you note to at least 3 people this week?

 

Be well,

Dr. Louis Tay

Tay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. He has expertise in well-being, assessments, and data science. Check back each week for his wellness tip of the week!



Well-Being Resources:

Office of the Dean of Students, Student Support Services

Counseling and Psychological Services

Virtual Student Life

 


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