Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Not just because my grandma makes the best cranberry sauce, but because of the traditions my family set focusing on gratitude. We went around in circles sharing things we were grateful for, watched old family videos all day and find new hiking spots to explore. After a great day of food and loved ones, it’s impossible not to feel good – I always wish that feeling could last forever. So why can’t it? I’m all for carrying the feeling of Thanksgiving with us throughout the year. Unfortunately, we tend to get caught up in life’s stresses and forget about the things we have to be grateful for. But as crazy as things get, I’m all for giving thanks in life – no matter what time of the year it is. And here’s why:

Gratitude can strengthen your willpower

Susan Pierce Thompson, a cognitive scientist, said that cultivating feelings of gratitude can boost impulse control, slowing you down and helping you to make better decisions. Sometimes choosing to be grateful is just that: a choice. So when you choose to find the silver linings in life, it’s easier to make other good choices in life.

Gratitude can help you sleep

The Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that people felt longer and deeper when they made lists of the things they’re grateful for before they went to bed. When you think more positively before you sleep, it can help to calm down your nervous system. So whatever it is that’s creating headaches or tension in your shoulders, giving thanks can calm that down for you.

Gratitude improves your mental health

Going along with that better sleep you’ll be getting, giving thanks can help to eliminate all those toxic thoughts you might have going on in your head. That could be impatience with others, frustration or resentment. It can increase overall happiness, thereby helping to reduce long-term depression.

Gratitude enhances empathy

Grateful people behave more pro-socially, and a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky found that they’re pro-social even when others are unkind. They have a decreased desire to seek revenge and react empathetically regardless of how negative their feedback is. However it is that you and your loved ones celebrate this upcoming season of thanks, you can always start early. You’ll definitely reap some rewards.