Have you ever found yourself saying, “I need to be more positive” or, “I wish I was less stressed” or, “I need to exercise more?” If you have said any of these things, you certainly are not alone!
Let’s look at some interesting discoveries from science that can help guide you in attaining what you desire.
Leading researchers in the science of gratitude, Robert Emmons, PhD, and Psychology Professor Michael McCullough put together a study on the practice of gratitude compared with two other attention focused practices.
The Study
Three groups of volunteers and randomly assigned them to focus on one of three things:
1.Things for which they were grateful
2. Hassles in their life
3. Ordinary life events
At the end of 10-weeks, each group was asked to record how they felt physically and generally about life.
Results
The people who focused on gratitude where a lot happier.
The grateful group reported that they:
Felt better about their life
Were more optimistic,
Had more energy
Were more enthusiastic
Were more determined
Were more joyful
Exercise more
Had fewer illnesses
Got more sleep
Were more helpful
Had clearer thinking
Were more resilient during tough times
Had a better immune system
Had less stress
Had closer family ties and a greater spiritual life.
AH HA!
In humanities quest to capture joy and a greater quality of live, people often think they should work harder on things like: thinking positively, being more optimistic, making more money, being more confident and acquiring more toys.
Research, like the one referred here, continues to revel that what is being sought after is created naturally through the practice of gratitude! Joy and fulfillment are the by-products of a grateful life. Perhaps this is an example of what Albert Einstein meant when he said, “you can’t solve a problem at the level of the problem.”
Three Simple Gratitude Practices to Boost Your Health and Happiness
1. Gratitude Journal!
List three things you’re grateful for each every day.
Savor the feelings these things your grateful for bring to you. “Savor” is a scientific term used to describe spending time with what you feel when you think about what you’re grateful for. The practice of savoring helps to establish neuro pathways that reinforce your mind to continue to focus of gratitude.
2. Say “THANK YOU” Frequently!
Challenge yourself to extend yourself beyond what you traditionally find normal or even comfortable with your appreciation. With practice, what once felt like a challenge will become the norm!
3. Surround Yourself with Happy, Positive and Grateful People!
Research finds surrounding yourself with happy positive and grateful people is a fantastic health and happiness promoting thing to do. People who receive appreciation express appreciation more and extend more to those that make them feel valued.
Wishing you and yours all the benefits and blessings of a gratitude filled life!