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How Gratitude Supports Mental and Physical Health
Trivia: Which scientist developed the first successful polio vaccine?
RetireHub
February 20, 2026
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 | By: Tess Thompson He left to pursue his dreams. She learned how to live without him. Can they rekindle the love they lost or will her secret break them apart once again? |
 | By: Jackie Sharp This is the first book in the Wharf Rat Mystery Series, a collection of cozy mysteries that will transport you to the coastal town of Shell Bay. Perfect for fans of twisty plots, quirky characters and small town vibes. Join Sarah Cooper, amateur sleuth, whose dream retirement at the marina takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a dead body. |
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On this day in 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard the spacecraft Friendship 7, part of NASA’s early space program. During the nearly five-hour mission, he circled the globe three times, becoming a national hero and helping strengthen the United States’ position in the space race.
His historic flight was a major milestone in space exploration — and decades later, he returned to space at age 77, proving that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date.
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How Gratitude Supports Mental and Physical Health
Gratitude may seem simple — just saying “thank you” or noticing something good in your day — but research continues to show that it has meaningful effects on both mental and physical health. Especially as we move through different stages of life, practicing gratitude can be one of the most accessible and powerful wellness habits available to us.
When we intentionally focus on what is going well, even in small ways, it gently shifts our perspective. Gratitude helps reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and overthinking by redirecting attention away from worries and toward appreciation. Over time, this shift can improve overall mood and strengthen emotional resilience. It doesn’t mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. Rather, it means recognizing that alongside life’s challenges, there are still moments of comfort, connection, and beauty.
Gratitude also strengthens relationships. When we express appreciation — whether to a spouse, friend, neighbor, or grandchild — we deepen our bonds and remind others that they matter. That sense of connection plays a powerful role in emotional well-being. Feeling seen and valued, and offering that same feeling to someone else, creates a positive ripple effect that supports mental health in lasting ways.
Interestingly, gratitude benefits the body as well as the mind. Studies suggest that people who practice gratitude regularly may experience lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and reduced stress levels. When we focus on appreciation, it helps calm the nervous system and lower stress hormones that can wear us down over time. Even something as simple as reflecting on a few positive moments before bed can quiet racing thoughts and make it easier to fall asleep peacefully.
The beauty of gratitude is that it doesn’t require anything expensive or complicated. You might jot down three small things you’re thankful for each day, tell someone specifically why you appreciate them, or simply pause during a walk to notice the warmth of the sun or the sound of birds nearby. These small acts, repeated consistently, can gently reshape how we experience daily life.
In the end, gratitude is less about grand gestures and more about steady awareness. By choosing to notice what is still working, still meaningful, and still good, we offer both our minds and bodies a quiet but powerful gift of strength and calm.
How Do You Practice Gratitude? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Which safari style sounds most appealing to you?
It’s clear that comfort and ease matter most when it comes to safari dreams. The top choice, with 31% of the vote, was a mostly vehicle-based wildlife experience with minimal walking — showing that many of you want the adventure without the strain. Close behind, 23% said they love the idea of a safari but would want to learn more before booking, which tells us curiosity is high even if questions remain. A healthy 20% liked the balance of game drives with gentle activities, while others expressed interest in private or fully accessible options. Overall, these results show that the spirit of adventure is alive and well — it just needs to match your pace and comfort level.
TOP COMMENTS
“In my younger days, I may have been interested in a private customized safari, camera of course. I don't think I could do it now.”
“I think we should leave the animals alone so l won’t be going”
“None. We love traveling around the U.S. and Canada. We have spent time in 47 States, including Hawaii and Alaska and most of Eastern and Western Canada. Always something beautiful to see and experience.”
How to Prepare Financially for Life’s “What Ifs” — Without Losing Sleep
Worrying about the future — not just retirement itself, but the unknown twists life can bring — is common, especially as we grow older, and being prepared can turn anxiety into calm confidence. The article encourages thinking ahead about key areas like potential health changes, housing needs, and income disruptions so you have clarity about how you would respond, rather than letting uncertainty linger in the background. Rather than creating a rigid plan, it suggests building layers of financial support (like reliable income sources, savings, insurance, and family or community resources) and having a simple “Plan B” — even if you never use it — so you can enjoy today without fear of the unexpected.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: The real deal
Meaning: A slang phrase used to describe someone or something that is genuine, authentic, and truly impressive — not fake, exaggerated, or pretending.
In a sentence: “After trying several recipes, I can confidently say her homemade apple pie is the real deal — just like the ones our mothers used to make.”
Good News of the Day
“Mushroom Mining” Could Turn Industrial Waste Into Valuable Rare Earth Minerals
Scientists in Austria are exploring an innovative, low-cost method of recovering important rare earth elements — key ingredients in everything from electric vehicles to smartphones — by using fungi to pull them out of industrial waste like mine tailings and coal ash. Instead of traditional mining, which is expensive and energy intensive, these mushrooms’ mycelia naturally absorb minerals as they grow, offering a potential eco-friendly way to reclaim valuable resources that would otherwise be discarded. While the concentrations recovered may be lower than other methods, the approach could cover large areas easily and cheaply, helping reduce waste and support future supply of critical materials for modern technologies.
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