Gratitude is more than a platitude. Both scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests that the simple act of writing down what you are grateful for – even if only once a week – will likely benefit your health as well as your mood. Studies have shown that the effects are even strong enough to be noticed by the journaler’s spouses and friends.
Robert Emmons, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California at Davis, and author of several books, including THANKS! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier (New York: Mariner Books, 2008) has studied the effects of gratitude for much of his career. He and other researchers have found that, while some people are just naturally more positive more than others, the “practice” of gratitude can increase perceived happiness levels by 25%. And those in the “practice gratitude” groups not only felt better about their lives as a whole than the control groups, but also experienced fewer physical symptoms, were more likely to progress toward their goals, exercised more and even slept better!
And lest you think only California surfers or pop psychology gurus practice gratitude, consider this: the Wall Street Journal has reported on a real estate broker who kept a gratitude journal (12/31/09); the Graziadio Business Review (published by Pepperdine University) has published an article about the effects of gratitude in the workplace (2006), and WebMD features several articles touting the health benefits of an attitude of gratitude. And spiritual traditions have incorporated various practices of gratitude for millenia.
Why not try it? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Take just 3-5 minutes on two or three evenings in the next week to write down what you are grateful for. List as many things as you can think of in the time you have allotted, or write in more depth about three things and why you are grateful for them. If you find this practice helpful, continue it through the holiday season and beyond. And return to it whenever things don’t seem to be going your way.
Don’t limit your thanks-giving to Thanksgiving. Practice gratitude all year long!
The Winged Life 