Don't Be Thankful on Thanksgiving

Every year, it's the same thing. Thanksgiving rolls around and all we hear is what people are thankful for. Enough already. Let's try something new: don't be thankful on Thanksgiving.

Yeah, you read that right. No more giving thanks on Thanksgiving. Let's just eat the turkey and watch football.

Instead, let's be thankful the other 364 days a year.

Let's not let Thanksgiving become the new Mother's Day, or Valentine's Day - where we think it's important on that one day to express our gratitude and appreciation. Let's do it all the time. I'm not suggesting we give up the turkey or the roses, but there's a lot of science that says being thankful - even for the little things - can make a big difference.

In an interview with Today.com, Robert Emmons, professor of psychology at UC Davis says that "Clinical trials indicate that the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects in a person’s life. It can lower blood pressure, improve immune function and facilitate more efficient sleep.”

There's even evidence that gratitude - especially if you write it down in a journal - can lead to better health, stronger relationships, and - in one study - a better diet.

It comes down to noticing - on a daily basis - things to be grateful for. We're not talking about big things like winning the lottery or getting a promotion. Focus on the small things. The cup of Utica coffee that was particularly good today. The color of the sky as the sun sets. The sound of your children laughing. Take 5 minutes every day and just write those things down.

Don't be thankful on Thanksgiving, be thankful every day.