LaRue County Teachers Explore Benefits of Gratitude in New Program

One group of LaRue County educators learned that an attitude of gratitude gives more than happy feelings.

The LaRue County Schools Care Team recently partnered with Lincoln National Bank to promote the health benefits of gratitude with school staff. Spearheaded by LaRue County Schools Emotional Support Specialist Marsha Duncan, the initiative was to help busy school staff members find gratitude despite the chaos of the upcoming holiday season.

“Research shows that people who practice gratitude are healthier overall, with stronger immune systems and lower rates of stress related illnesses,” Duncan said. “Gratitude also can lead to more positive emotions and feelings of happiness.”

Duncan is right and proven by numerous clinical studies from a variety of organizations. One prominent project game from a Harvard Health study. Researchers tested three groups of adults to measure gratitude’s effects. One group one group wrote about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. A second group wrote about daily irritations or things that had displeased them. The third wrote about events that had affected them (with no emphasis on them being positive or negative).

After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. That group also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation.

Duncan said keeping gratitude at the forefront of action has helped many staff already.

“So many of our staff have expressed that they are grateful for faith, family, friends and to be a part of such a caring school community,” Duncan said.

The community partnership also showcases how important supporting each other can be within the LaRue County community.

“I think this partnership with Lincoln National Bank and their willingness to support and encourage our school staff is so reflective of what a special community we live in,” Duncan said.

The gratitude program will culminate in a Gratitude Giveaway. Thanks to Lincoln National Bank and Kelly Scott, participants can be entered to win two tickets to the Pentatonix Christmas Concert at the YUM Center!