Studies have shown that those who recognize their gratitude are benefited from doing so. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., at the University of California at Davis and Mike McCullough at the University of Miami, conducted a study where some groups of people were asked to express their gratitude, and others their grievances. The study showed that those expressing gratitude reported being 25% happier, had less health complaints, and exercised around one and a half more hours per week.

Most people can agree that it feels good to be thanked or appreciated. It feels good to be shown appreciation, recognition and gratitude. Expressing gratitude for others is not just beneficial to them, but it can also improve one’s own well-being. In an article posted by the Huffington Post they explain that “recent studies have concluded that the expression of gratitude can have profound and positive effects on our health [and] our moods.”

Students should express their gratitude for others throughout the year. Grade-wide retreats are one of many great opportunities for students to show their appreciation for one another. Those who attend these retreats often feel overwhelmingly happy and supported during the days and weeks following the event. The reason behind these feelings is most likely because they’re in an  environment in which gratitude is encouraged, as explained in an article posted by the US National Library of Medicine in a study conducted by Froh et al, 221 adolescents were told to do an exercise. Some did exercises regarding the things in life that they were thankful for. Others did exercises were they focused on things in their lives that they found to be an inconvenience or bother. A third group was assigned no exercises. “As predicted, the gratitude condition was associated with greater life satisfaction. The authors concluded from their experience that counting blessings seems to be an effective intervention for enhancing wellbeing in adolescents.” The groups who plan these events and events like these do a very good job of creating an environment where students can express gratitude and reap the benefits of doing so.

However, students should be able to feel this way year round. It feels good to be thanked or to be shown gratitude. Students shouldn’t wait for paper and a pen to be handed to them to say thank you; instead, they should take the initiative in their everyday lives to make those around them feel appreciated. Often, people do not express their appreciation for others, but when they do it can benefit their own mood. Students have the power to carry the uplifting atmosphere that a retreat provides them with throughout the year. If they take the initiative to vocalize their appreciation for others, the general atmosphere within a grade will improve.

It isn’t always easy to take the time to write a note to a classmate, teacher or community member, but there are other ways to show appreciation. Students can give out compliments when they see something that they appreciate like someone doing well on a presentation is class or organizing something within their club. The person being acknowledged will feel appreciated, but also happy that someone recognized their hard work. Students can record their own gratitude as well. Many websites like The Huffington Post recommend keeping a “gratitude journal” where someone writes three or four things that they are grateful for at the end or beginning of each day. This helps people to recognize what they appreciate in their life, and focus on positive things from the day. There are many ways for students to benefit others and themselves by recognizing the things that they appreciate in their lives.

Students should make an effort to recognize their gratitude, for the general welfare of those around them and themselves.