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Practicing

gratitude

for

Great news!

Care to share?

Happiness shared

is happiness

multiplied. Studies

show that telling

a friend about a

happy event in

your life increases

the amount of joy

you feel about that

event. That attitude

of gratitude may

just spread to those

around you.

Talk about a positive perk: By cultivating gratitude, you actually

end up with more to be thankful for.

When you make an effort to see the good in life, it feels good.

You’ll likely notice that you are happier, more content, and less

stressed. You’ll also enjoy some nice health benefits. Some studies

show that practicing gratitude may help:

Lower blood pressure

Boost immune response

Lower the risk for depression, anxiety, and substance

abuse disorders

FOUR WAYS TO GROW IN GRATITUDE

A grateful spirit may seem like it comes naturally to some people.

However, to nurture a habit of thankfulness, it helps to make a

conscious choice, day by day. These practices can help you keep

gratitude at the center of your day:

1.

Savor your everyday life.

Slow down, and enjoy those

things that bring you comfort and joy but are easy to take for

granted. A loved one’s smile. A crisp, cold apple. A bright blue

sky. A warm cup of tea.

2.

Write it down.

What makes you smile? Note it in a daily

gratitude journal. It can truly make a difference in where your

focus lies. It’s hard to get stuck in the negative when you are

busy counting and writing about your blessings.

Studies show that people who use a gratitude journal are more

optimistic and enjoy better overall health. They tend to be

more alert, determined, enthusiastic, and energetic. They also:

Cope better with stressful life events

Bounce back from illness faster

Exercise more

Sleep longer and enjoy better sleep quality

Big or small, find those moments from your day—or

reflections on your life—to appreciate. It could be a kind

word said, a helpful neighbor, or a hearty laugh.

Writing it down will help you focus on the positive, and any

time you need a lift, you can turn back to your journal and

read those memories and moments.

3.

Say thanks.

Write a letter. Deliver it in person if you

can. Let others know how much you appreciate them—

their kindness, generosity, friendship, time, etc. You’ll

reap the benefits of a grateful deed and bring that person

joy of their own.

4.

Do for others.

Reaching out and assisting those in need

often reminds us of the good in the world. Even better,

make volunteering a family affair and teach your children

the power of giving and gratitude.

References: See page 7

health and happiness

WINTER 2016

SELECTHEALTH

2

Healthy kids,

better students

6

Love your heart

this February