Gratitude is literally one of the few things that can measurably change people’s lives.” – Bob Emmons, Ph.D.
I recently had the opportunity to listen to an interview with Bob Emmons, Ph.D. – a leading authority on gratitude and author of Gratitude Works, who spoke on the benefits of gratitude. The interview was part of a year long training program I am attending in the application of positive neuroplasticity with Dr. Rick Hanson.
While gratitude has often been thought of as a touchy-feeling spiritual practice, with perhaps little to no practical implications, gratitude, in fact, has been scientifically proven to have multiple physical, psychological and social benefits. Here are just a few:
Research has shown that adults who practice gratitude on a regular basis experience the following benefits:
Physical
- Exercise more regularly and take better care of their health
- Report fewer illness symptoms
- Have stronger immune systems
- Are less bothered by aches and pains
- Have lower blood pressure
- Respond more effectively to daily stressors, and may show increased resilience when confronted with trauma induced stress
- Sleep an average of 30-minutes longer each night and wake feeling more alive and vital
Psychological
- Have higher levels of positive emotions, such as joy, enthusiasm and love
- Are protected from envy, greed, resentment and bitterness
- Are more alert, alive and awake
- Feel more optimistic and happier
- Have fewer toxic negative emotions
- Can experience a decrease in the duration and frequency of depression
- Have a higher sense of self-worth
Social
- Are more helpful, generous and compassionate
- Feel more loving, joyful, forgiving and enthusiastic
- Are more outgoing
- Have improved relationships
- Have increased feelings of connectedness, and even altruism
- Experience increased social support
THIS WEEK’S TIP ‘N TOOL
PRACTICE: GROWING HAPPINESS THROUGH GRATITUDE
People who kept a gratitude journal once a week for 10-weeks reported a 25% increase in happiness. So…
This week you can begin your gratitude practice by starting a gratitude journal.
For instance, you might like to purchase a journal or notebook that appeals to you, and that brings a sense of pleasure to look at and write in.
Then, once a week (or more often, if you like), write five things your grateful for.
As an extra boost, at the beginning or end of every day, spend a little quiet time reflecting on the “good facts” in your life.
For instance, the comfortable bed you’re lying on, the sun shining through your window, the warmth (or coolness) of the air on your skin, etc. (I like to do this in the evening, while lying in bed, just prior to sleeping.)
Then, soak in the good feelings that arise as you reflect on what you’ve written in your gratitude journal and as you review the good facts in your life at the beginning or end of the day.
The practice of “soaking in the good” is an important step and will help to tilt your brain in the direction of happiness and positivity.
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I am a Certified Life Coach, Energy Healing Practitioner, Workshop Leader and Author with more than 25 years’ experience. It gives me great pleasure to help my clients grow the resources they need so they can flourish and lead the lives they desire. My books, “Alphabet Affirmations: Transform Your Life and Love Yourself, and “I Am the Treasure,” can be found on Amazon.
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