Taking a break from technology or writing thank-you notes can greatly enhance our health and well-being. Scientific studies show that returning to these traditional forms of communication can be beneficial. Handwritten notes, in particular, allow for a more genuine connection.
I can’t deny the joy of finding a handwritten letter or card amidst the usual bills and junk mail. It’s refreshing to receive something interesting instead of the usual mundane and stressful mail. Naturally, sending thank-you notes for gifts or acts of kindness is the right thing to do. While most of us might opt for a digital thanks, there are several reasons why handwritten notes stand out more than a quick text or email.
Being grateful for what we have can lift our spirits. By focusing on what we have rather than what we lack, we become more aware of how much we have to be thankful for. Gratitude tends to grow the more we practice it, making it hard not to notice even the smallest blessings. Beyond common sense, scientific studies indicate that gratitude can enhance overall well-being by increasing happiness and lowering depression.
When mental health improves, physical health often follows. A 2013 study found that people who expressed gratitude experienced fewer aches and pains and felt healthier overall. Additionally, a small study in 2016 revealed that keeping a gratitude journal might improve health markers related to heart disease by reducing inflammation.
Grateful people also tend to engage in healthier activities and seek help for health concerns. The idea is that when you’re happier, which gratitude can bring about, you might make better health choices like exercising and avoiding smoking.
Whether acknowledging a gift from grandma or making a good impression following a job interview, sending a thank-you note can set you apart. In our digital age, a handwritten thank-you note makes a strong statement due to its rarity. While becoming Grandma’s favorite is a bonus, sending a handwritten note shows genuine appreciation.
Technology allows constant connectivity, but it can also strain real relationships. Expressing gratitude is key to building relationships and maintaining open communication. Sending a quick text or Facebook message to show appreciation is better than nothing, but a handwritten note goes further. It doesn’t just say “thank you”—it shows that you took the extra time and effort because their generosity meant so much to you.
As digital communication continues to grow, handwritten notes become even more cherished. They last longer than digital messages. Emails might be quickly deleted, but thank-you cards can be displayed and appreciated for a long time, even a lifetime.
Writing thank-you cards has many benefits, but how do you craft one? While many adults likely know how to write a proper thank-you note, it isn’t always taught in schools these days. Here are some tips to either teach your kids or refresh your own memory.
Did you have to write thank-you notes as a child? I remember finding it boring, but as an adult, I’m grateful for having learned to express gratitude. Research shows that kids who express gratitude experience less envy and materialism, are less prone to depression, and have better grades and relationships.
Want to help your kids write thank-you notes without boring them? Here are a few tips:
I’m thankful that expressing gratitude and writing notes was instilled in me early on. If you’re looking for a positive habit to pick up this year, consider this one. It makes life a bit brighter for everyone involved.
Whether it’s for a wedding gift, baby shower, or just because, a thank you note—even if it’s a bit late—is always a classy touch and never goes out of style.
Do you write thank-you notes? What are your tips for making them special and getting them done?
