It might sound like a cliche, but counting your blessings really can be good for you. Research shows people who consider themselves as highly grateful tend to be healthier. They have stronger immune systems and seem to fight off illnesses better. Even when they do get sick, they experience lower blood pressure, suffer less depression and bounce back quicker. 

Grateful people also report that they sleep longer, experience lower levels of stress and have stronger relationships.

You, too, can reap the health benefits of gratitude. Try these thankful tips:

—Send thank you notes. Tell someone how happy you are they are in  your life.

—Write down one thing each day for which you are grateful on slips  of paper and store them in a gratitude jar. Pick a day to read through the slips.

—Keep a gratitude journal. Keep a written record of the gifts you’ve received. Share your thoughts about those gifts.

—Pray. Thank a higher power for your blessings through prayer. 

—Meditate. Focus on what you’re grateful for—healthy children, a beautiful sunset—in the present moment.

Read more about how being grateful impacts your health at BlackHealthMatters.Com.

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