November is observed annually as National Gratitude Month, and it reminds all of us to harness the positive power of gratitude in our day-to-day lives. According to current psychological research, gratitude is something that blocks negative emotions such as resentment, regret, and envy.

It also shows that gratitude blocks other toxic emotions that can prevent people from achieving happiness. And it doesn’t require much for a person to gain some of those benefits.

Sometimes, a simple “thank you” to someone is enough to unleash these positive powers and free a person from negative emotions. That’s why it’s so crucial for people to observe this month when it comes around every year.

The History of National Gratitude Month

Although we don’t know much about why this month was created, we do know that it was established in 2015 by Stacey Grewal. And that’s all we know. We’ll continue to search for more information on the origins of this month.

The Positive Effects of Gratitude

We can’t conclude this article on National Gratitude Month without taking the time to talk about some of the positive effects of gratitude in a little more depth. We did a bit of research and came away with some of the things that people can look forward to when they employ gratitude in their daily lives. Let’s take a look at them before continuing with the observance of this month.

• Just five minutes of gratitude a day can make a person happier.
• Gratitude can increase a person’s self-esteem.
• It can help prevent depression.
• People who show gratitude are more liked by others.
• Gratitude improves romantic relationships.
• It also improves friendships.
• People who show gratitude are more likely to receive social support when they’re going through tough times.
• It strengthens families in times of stress.
• It improves decision-making and reduces impatience.
• It improves a person’s optimism for the future.
• It helps people find meaning in their work and their lives.
• It reduces blood pressure, improves sleep, and enhances mood.
• It makes a person more generous, both financially and emotionally.

Observing National Gratitude Month

Observing this month is as simple as people showing gratitude to those around them. This means thanking friends and loved ones who have done nice things, and waitstaff who have served them.

It also means being grateful for all the good fortune in their lives, even if that life is tempered with its share of hardships. And people can use the hashtag #NationalGratitudeMonth on social media to spread the word about this observance.