It happens every year. You just sat down to a mouthwatering Thanksgiving meal. Right as you’re about to dig into the mashed potatoes, someone says, “Let’s go around the table and share one thing we’re thankful for!” Publicly declaring your thankfulness might feel awkward, but you should do it anyway—and not just on Thanksgiving. That’s because feeling and expressing gratitude can have major benefits for your physical and mental health. In fact, studies show that thankful people tend to experience fewer headaches, get sick less often, and have healthier hearts. So before you go for that second helping of pie, check out a few of the effects of thankfulness on your mind, body, and mood.