It's Thanksgiving eve — time to get the gratitude flowing. Experts in the field of gratitude research have found that giving thanks does more than remind you of what you already have; it can also help you lead a healthier life.

Studies have shown that grateful people have greater vitality and less stress and in a study of college students, those who kept a “gratitude journal” were generally more healthy and optimistic than those who did not.

It’s far too often, I’d have to admit, that I completely forget to be grateful. Et tu?

When I do remember to count a blessing or two, it's like exercising after a long procrastination––sheer, virtuous relief from self-induced suffering. So I was encouraged to discover––on the cusp of gratitude's big day in the relatively new field of “positive psychology,” researchers are studying the myriad balms of thankfulness.