Written by: Devin C. Hughes
After the chaos that most of us have experienced in the last couple of weeks, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that matter most and spend more time focusing on what’ve you lost or what you are not doing right now.
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater well-being. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
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A growing body of research is confirming that an ounce of gratitude is worth a pound of cure.
“The practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects in a person’s life,” said Robert A. Emmons, professor of psychology at UC Davis and a leading scientific expert on the science of gratitude.
“It can lower blood pressure, improve immune function and facilitate more efficient sleep. Gratitude reduces lifetime risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders, and is a key resiliency factor in the prevention of suicide,” he said.
Here is a Gratitude Practice that is both simple but highly impactful — make a list of the three things you’re most grateful for right now (and every day for the next 21 days). Put it up on your fridge, office wall or anywhere you’ll see it regularly.
Each time you’re feeling frustrated or find yourself slipping into a negative headspace, revisit your list. Sometimes all you need is that little reminder of the good things in your life to get you back on track.
