An Attitude of Gratitude

"Research by Jeffrey J. Froh, an assistant professor of psychology at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., has found that adults who feel grateful are more optimistic, report more social satisfaction, experience less envy, less depression, and fewer physical complaints. They also sleep better and get more exercise. Kids who experience more gratitude do better in school, set higher goals for themselves, derive more satisfaction from life, friends, family, and school, are generally less materialistic, and have more desire to give back.

Here are some suggestions about how to actively cultivate gratitude:

1. Keep a gratitude journal. Document daily what you feel grateful about. Sometimes it helps to pick a number–such as three to five things–that you’ll identify each day or week. As you write, be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you.
2. Get a gratitude buddy and regularly talk about what you are grateful for with your buddy. Your buddy can help you make sure you acknowledge where your joy comes from.
3. Write a thank-you note. You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank-you letter or email expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person's impact on your life. Send it, or better yet, deliver and read it in person if possible. Make a habit of sending at least one gratitude letter a month. Once in a while, write one to yourself.
4. No time to write? Thank someone mentally. It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you and mentally thank the individual.
5. Watch your language even when talking to yourself–be mindful of when you’re focusing on the negative.
6. Savor the good times with family and friends. Photos, drawings, written accounts, and verbally acknowledging and appreciating people and events keep you focused on the things you feel grateful for.
7. Pray. People who are religious and/or spiritual can use prayer to cultivate gratitude.
8. Pause mindfully during the day when something happens that you feel grateful about; make a mental note.
9. Focus on the present moment without judgment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace"), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the warmth of the sun, a pleasant sound, etc.)."

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

What are you grateful for?

#Gratitude #Positivity #MentalHealth