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Being thankful should be an integral part of our overall attitude about life. It’s as easy as slowing down to consider all that we have. But did you know there are a host of health benefits associated with feeling grateful? There are!

Recently, science has conducted some research about gratitude and its effects on our bodies. The results may be surprising, but they show how important it is to acknowledge how fortunate we really are. Some of the newly-discovered benefits of feeling gratitude are:

• Increased joy and optimism – This shouldn’t be a secret, but who couldn’t use a little more happiness in their life?
• More compassion and generosity – When you feel grateful, you’re more likely to pay it forward by helping someone else.
• Fewer feelings of loneliness or isolation – A grateful attitude helps you acknowledge that others care.
• Stronger immunity – Surprising, but true. People who consistently feel grateful are better at fighting off disease.
• Lower blood pressure – Perhaps grateful people feel less stress, helping their blood pressure stay in check.

How Can I Increase My Gratitude?

Try pausing to consider life’s blessings: your home, family, job, faith, health, and more. Do it daily, upon waking or when going to bed. Also, many say they feel an increase in gratitude when they serve others. Perhaps bringing more gratitude into your life is as simple as reaching out to help those who are less fortunate. For example, the holidays will be upon us before we know it. The last few months of the year provide ample service opportunities for everyone, and the Park City / Salt Lake area is certainly no exception.

Where Can I Serve?

You can start with your own family and neighbors. Is there anyone in need? Can you offer some anonymous service or donations? Local churches of all kinds have resources to help you find service opportunities. Also, there are a number of organizations in the area that could use volunteers to serve turkey dinners, help with food or clothing drives, and more. There are several shelters in Park City and Salt Lake that would greatly appreciate your help.

Park City Realtor Turkey Drive

We’re grateful to be able to donate to programs like the Park City Realtor Turkey Drive, where the participants donate turkeys and other canned goods to give to the local food bank. You can participate too on November 17 and 18, 2016 from 10 am to 5 pm. You’ll find us collecting turkeys and canned foods in the Market at Park City and can visit their website to see the specifics on what to bring and how you can help.

Be Grateful and Enjoy the Benefits

There is nothing better than the joy gratitude can bring into our lives — not to mention some nifty health benefits. As the year draws to a close, consider how helping others in their time of need might actually help you fulfill some of your own. At Jensen and Company, we encourage everyone in the Park City and Salt Lake areas to reach beyond themselves and serve others this holiday season. If nothing else, you’ll be grateful for the experience.