The New York Times published an encouraging article, Gratitude Really Is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows. Here are some excerpts.
Giving, receiving and even witnessing gratitude can improve your well-being, especially during difficult times. . . .
To date, numerous studies have found that having a grateful outlook, “counting one’s blessings” and expressing gratitude to others can have positive effects on our emotional health as well as on interpersonal and romantic relationships. . . .
But “feeling it is only half the equation,” said Philip Watkins, a professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University and the author of “Gratitude and the Good Life.” Expressing gratitude is equally important to reap the benefits of this emotion, he said. . . .
Many studies have asked participants to write letters of thanks, or to list the positive things in their lives, and then measured the effects of those acts. The results suggest that performing these types of activities provides mental health benefits – reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, increasing self-esteem and improving satisfaction with daily life. . . .
What’s more, when analyzing people’s dispositions, researchers have found that those who are more prone to experience gratitude in their daily lives have lower levels of depression and sleep better. . . .
“What impresses me are the objective, biologically verifiable outcomes that go beyond self-report measures,” Dr. Emmons said. For example, gratitude has also been associated with lower blood pressure, and, in one pilot study, higher levels of heart rate variability, a marker of well-being. . . .
[M]any experts believe that a small dose of gratitude, once a day, is ideal. . . .
“I think the benefits of gratitude activities truly unfold through long-term habits,” said Joel Wong, a professor of counseling psychology.”
The article is validating for me. I programmed my computer to show the following message first thing every morning.
I will appreciate all my days that have come before, and I will appreciate this day as a gift that never has been before and never will be again.
I will try my best to love and to make a contribution and to be thankful.
I will live this day as if it is one of my last.
What are you grateful for?
