Saying “thank you” is good for your health 

 “When I started counting my blessings, my whole world turned around.” 

-Willie Nelson 

As Willie learned, saying “thank you” makes you feel happier, less stressed, and less anxious. It also boosts your immune system, helps your blood pressure, and makes you sleep better.  

Of course expressing thanks to your partner makes them feel good. But showing appreciation also benefits YOU! Showing appreciation is good for your health. 

What the research says  

Expressing appreciation affects our biology, as Dr. Roland Zahn and his colleagues at King’s College London, found in their research. Our brains and nervous systems are changed when we express thanks. And this brain-change is long lasting. So, to feel good – show your partner what you appreciate about them. 

This is your brain on appreciation 

When we say or express gratitude, our brain lights up: 

• The brain’s bliss center gets activated 

• Happy neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) increase 

• Stress hormones decrease 

• Positive thinking leads to more positive thinking 

In his book Upward Spiral, Dr. Alex Korb writes that being grateful forces our focus on the positives in life. Our brain will be directed to pay more attention to what we have, and that makes us feel GOOD. 

Putting it into practice 

Take action today by listing all the things you notice about your partner. Try to give specific appreciation every day this week by sending a text or voice mail, leaving a note, or buying a small gift. Notice how it makes you feel. We are pretty sure it’s going to make both of you feel great. 

Through the power of appreciation, you can wire your brain and release feel-good and calming chemicals.  By saying “thank you,” you will be more optimistic, less stressed, and happier. And if that’s not convincing enough, showing appreciation will also boost your physical health!