7 Surprising Benefits of Gratitude November 22, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Happiness, Humor, Life Balance, Mindfulness.43 comments
Scientists who study the phenomenon have noticed a not-too-surprising result:
Gratitude makes us healthier and happier and more fun to be around.
Numerous studies by scientists with impressive credentials demonstrate that people who give thanks have a higher quality of life than those who whine about daily trials and tribulations while hanging on to junk from the past.
1. They do more ~ gratitude studies reveal that people who make an effort to be grateful for small things end up accomplishing great things.
2. They feel better about their lives ~ optimism makes them more enthusiastic and energetic and determined to enjoy new challenges.
3. They function better ~ joy and optimism makes them bounce around like Tiggers rather than dragging sorry-ass tails around like Eeyore.
4. They are healthier ~ they exercise more, have fewer illnesses, and sleep better when they conk out at night.
5. They live in the NOW ~ they are more interested in others (and more interesting to others) because they don’t waste precious energy bemoaning the past or worrying about the future.
6. They give back ~ they are more likely to reach out and lend a hand, which makes them feel good, which makes them more likely to reach out and lend a hand.
7. They reap other rewards ~ clearer thinking, better resilience during tough times, a higher immune response, lower stress-related illnesses, and stronger relationships.
Good news! We can achieve all these benefits without running a marathon or doing 300 crunches each night before bed!
Simply focus on what’s right with your world. Take a few moments each evening to jot down 3 things that happened for which you are grateful:
* “We’re warm and dry. Dinner rocked. We won’t go to bed hungry, thirsty, or cold.”
* “We have all we need and then some ~ the extras, the gravy, the bling, the surplus beyond the basics.”
Stumped? Check out The Queen of Versailles and give thanks for who you are, as you are. (Tip: If you are fat, lazy, and stupid, use someone who is fatter, lazier, and stupider as a frame of reference.)
Keeping a gratitude journal trains you to look at life in a more positive way. It becomes a bit of a game to go through your day noticing things that uplift you and put a smile on your face.
But wait, there’s more!
As you scribble down the positives, negatives start to fade away. Soon, you’ll overlook minor set-backs that used to throw you into a dizzying downward spiral and your glass will never be half-empty again.
Quote: Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Aah . . . that’s better!
Related posts: Gratitude from A to Z * Happy . . . The Movie * Success ~ A Life Well Lived (DP Prompt) * Gratitude & Happiness (T4D)
