Michael Brown Sr. gets a hug at an annual Thanksgiving basket give away in St. Louis, Missouri, November 22, 2014. Prosecutors made preparations to announce the eventual decision on whether to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the Aug. 9 shooting of
Michael Brown Sr. gets a hug at an annual Thanksgiving basket give away in St. Louis, Missouri, November 22, 2014. Prosecutors made preparations to announce the eventual decision on whether to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the Aug. 9 shooting of Michael Brown, 18, in the St. Louis suburb. REUTERS/Jim Young

Thanksgiving is soon approaching. So don't miss the opportunity to count your blessings, express gratitude and appreciate the efforts of your loved ones. Saying thank you is wonderful way to spread joy and happiness and warm the coldest of hearts. Not only that, the simple gesture has many other benefits as well.

Live Science gives a reason to celebrate Thanksgiving. The publication explains why saying thank you and being grateful for your blessings is good for people. Based on several scientific studies, the aforementioned publication states that it has several health benefits. Moreover it has a "way to promote good health and well-being." Citing the claims of Philip Watkins, a psychologist from Eastern Washington University, the website notes that "grateful people tend to be happier overall."

Robert Emmons, a psychologist at the University of California, suggest that expressing gratitude help in "curbing depression and anxiety, improve cholesterol and get better sleep." So, make the most this occasion.

So, this year don't forget to say thank you to those who make a difference in your life. Here are five simple and touching ways to show appreciation and gratitude.

1. Help someone and do a good deed: Serving someone and volunteering for community work is the best way express gratitude for the blessing you have received on Thanksgiving. Devote time to the issue and task you feel the most for. For instance, spend time with homeless or poor children and give them small presents. Make a donation to a charity or prepare Thanksgiving meal for those in need. These efforts will make your Thanksgiving even more meaningful.

2. Plan a family get together: Traditional yet most exciting way of celebrating this holiday is bringing all your loved ones together. Plan an evening and invite your entire family and close friends over. One may include their neighbours as well. This will definitely add fun and happiness to the spirit of holiday and celebration. It is a blessing to have a loving family and be able to be with them, so be grateful and acknowledge it.

3. Say it With Words: Words are effective and powerful weapons of expression. So invest some time in writing appreciation notes and acknowledge their presence in your life. One can even compose simple yet expressive poems and create cards with sweet messages.

4. Gift a Much Needed Gift: Remember how your family makes a difference to your existence and decide to return the favour. Come up with a thoughtful gift consisting of items that are essential to the lives of your loved ones. For instance, buy a planner for your father or create a list of 20 life hacks that would make her household chores easy.

5. Do What They Love: The best way to express gratitude on Thanksgiving is valuing what your beloved love to do. Spend time with them doing what they enjoy the most. For instance, if they enjoy movies, take them for one or if they love exploring places, plan an outing. Make this Thanksgiving extra special for them and spread joy in their lives.