“Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything you receive,” wrote Marelisa Fabrega in her book How Gratitude Can Change Your Life.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t just make you a more likeable person, but it can also benefit your health. In a study of character strengths, gratitude was found to be the best predictor of wellbeing. Another study found that men and women with heart disease who practiced gratitude showed significant improvement in heart health.

Not to mention, it can also make you happier. Research shows gratitude trumps optimism, spirituality, and emotional self-awareness when it comes to bringing greater positivity and satisfaction into our lives. 

Need more reasons to practice gratitude during the season of giving thanks? Check out the infographic below from Happify to learn how else gratitude can increase health and happiness.