Gratitude has the strongest link with mental well-being than any other character trait.
Gratitude expresses spiritualism, makes us self-centred, increases self-esteem, improves your sleep, increases your energy levels. Expressing gratitude every day when you quit cigarettes or change your eating habits strengthens your resolve.
Gratitude boosts your health!
Gratitude even makes you more likely to exercise – according to an 11 week study of 96 Americans, those who kept a weekly journal exercised 40 minutes more per week than the control group. And exercise is something that most people who want to stop smoking plan to include in their lives.
Gratitude makes you 25% happier!
Other studies involved having participants maintain a gratitude journal for 10 weeks. At the end of the study those with the journal were a WHOPPING 25% happier than the control group.
Scientist Robert Emmons says: “Without gratitude, life can be lonely, depressing and impoverished. Gratitude enriches human life. It elevates, energizes, inspires and transforms. People are moved, opened and humbled through expressions of gratitude.”
Science shows that gratitude causes:
-more energy - higher emotional intelligence
- less depression - more forgiving attitudes
- less anxiousness - more feelings of being socially connected
- better sleep - fewer headaches
Ways to express gratitude:
- Keeping a gratitude journal
- Thinking about 5 things every morning that you’re grateful for
- Sending notes of appreciation to a friend or loved one
- Reflecting on your previous day’s celebrations while in the shower
- Utilize the meditation technique known as naikan or ‘method of self-reflection’
- Send an appreciative email to a co-worker
Gratitude and kids:
At the end of the day, ask your children to tell you their happiest moment of the day – making gratitude a daily habit from a young age!
Quotes on Gratitude
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” From Winnie-the-Pooh
“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F. Kennedy
Remember:
Gratitude is one of the shortest paths to Happiness
When you express gratitude for something, you attract more of that thing into your life! Find out how you can initiate change and stay on track with the help of your wellness coach.
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