4 Reasons Why You Should Start Saying Thank You Today [LIST]

Dr. Laura Trice understands the importance of saying two simple words – thank you. Appearing in the 3 minute TED talk below, Trice expounds upon the merits of showing appreciation and delves deeply into the reasons why most people are hesitant to use those magic words. If there are any second thoughts as to why saying thank you is critical, here are four reasons why you should jump on the thank you train and spread your gratitude to and fro.

1. SOMEONE MIGHT REALLY NEED TO HEAR IT
Dr. Trice relays a story of a young man in a rehab facility that could not get over the pain that his father never told him he was proud of him. This is one story of countless others that show how much difference a word of praise or gratefulness can have in affecting the course of someone’s life.

2. CREATE A RIPPLE EFFECT
Saying thank you and showing appreciation for what someone else has done for you increases the likelihood that this good energy will pay itself forward. Uttering those two words makes people more likely to help others in the future, or referred to as prosocial behavior.

3. MAKE SOMEONE SMILE
One of the easiest ways to put a smile on someone’s face is to share with them how important they are to you. Whether it’s acknowledging a colleague for a job well done, or telling your loved one something positive about themselves, expressions of appreciation and gratitude make people feel valued, confident and validated.

4. IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
The acts of appreciation and gratitude have proven health benefits, leading to  boosts in the immune system and a decrease in stress. The healthy route includes acknowledging others, not holding in your positive thoughts and smiling more often than not.

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