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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