This Month’s Focus: Practicing Gratitude
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has identified many studies on people who express their gratitude tend to be happier and less depressed.
Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness and helps people feel more positive emotions, deal with adversity and build strong relationships. This holiday season, let’s be grateful for past memories, present moments and future experiences. To learn more, visit Harvard Health website.
By the Numbers
Keeping a gratitude journal can result in:
- 16% fewer physical problems
- 19% more time spent exercising
- 10% less physical pain
Spend 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful moments before bed and you may actually sleep better and longer
Source: 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round
Detail
The four a’s of gratitude
There are many ways of expressing gratitude and typically will fall under the 4 A’s of gratitude:
- Attention: Let’s be present! Meditation can help provide a heightened sense of awareness and gratitude for the small joys in life.
- Acknowledgment: Recognize the good that exists in our lives! Appreciate the people, experiences and achievements.
- Appreciation : Focus on the positive aspect of our lives and reflect what you are grateful for.
- Action: Share you gratitude! Express genuine appreciation to others and reach out to friends, colleagues or loved ones.
To learn more about the 4 A’s of gratitude, check out this article.
Reads & Soundbits
- Podcast: If You Feel Thankful, Write It Down. It’s Good For Your Health. NPR.
- Read: The Little Book of Gratitude by Dr. Robert A. Emmons, PhD.
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