For Health’s Sake, Be Grateful
What makes you beam with
gratitude?
A grandchild, a puppy,
success in your career, or a shiny new pair of sneakers? No matter what tops
your list, consider sharing an extra smile, making a quick “thank you” call, or
offering a warm hug.
Expressing your gratitude
has numerous health benefits, claim Stephen M. Yoshimura, Ph.D., and Kassandra
Berzins of the University of Montana in an article published in the National
Communication Association’s Review of Communication.
“Gratitude consistently
associates with many positive social, psychological, and health states, such as
an increased likelihood of helping others, optimism, exercise, and reduced
reports of physical symptoms,” the authors stated, referencing recent research.
25% Greater Happiness
In one study from
psychologists Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and
Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, participants were asked to
journal weekly about daily experiences. One group wrote about what they were
grateful for; one group wrote about what had displeased them; and one group
wrote about events that affected them, with no emphasis on whether the events
were positive or negative.
After ten weeks of journaling, participants who expressed gratitude reported happiness levels 25 percent higher than participants of the other two groups. In addition, they exercised 1.5 hours more per week, had fewer doctor visits, and had greater overall satisfaction.
A separate study from Emmons
and McCullough found that participants who both self-reported and were observed
by others as maintaining a grateful disposition had reduced levels of
depression, anxiety, and envy.
Scientific research into
gratitude keeps pointing to less pain and stress, stronger immune system, lower
blood pressure, better sleep, more energy, higher self-esteem, greater
resiliency, and increased longevity.
The benefits of gratitude
are truly endless. To ensure you experience more of them, keep a gratitude
journal.
Take a few minutes to
reflect and write about what you are thankful for each day. Since doing so
before bed can help you sleep better, keep your journal by your bed. Writing a
simple list of five or ten things is enough, however, reflect and write as much
as you feel inspired to. Consider writing until you are moved to tears by all
you are grateful for.
To augment the positive
energy of gratitude in you, I recommend you listen to the Gratitude
Paraliminal. It guides you through a heart-centered practice focused on
feelings of love, forgiveness, and kindness, providing a lingering effect on
your health and well-being. Simply push play, close your eyes, relax, and
listen. This closed-eye process activates your "whole mind" with a
precise blend of music and words to help you get the most out of every minute.
To learn more about Gratitude
and all our other Paraliminal programs, please click
here.