Want to be happier? Healthier? Get a better night’s sleep? No problem! Just be grateful for the things you have.
A growing body of research suggests that feelings of gratitude can have lasting, beneficial effects on people’s mental and physical health. Studies have found that when people spend time focusing on the things that they’re grateful for, they experience the following:
- Reduced feelings of stress
- Increased sense of well-being
- Increased feelings of satisfaction
- Improved resilience
- Better, more restful sleep
- Increased desire to exercise and help others
So go ahead and make a list of the things that you’re thankful for. You might even want to read the list out loud, or stick it on your fridge so you see it regularly. You’ll be grateful you did!
Pinker, S. (2015, December 19-20). An Attitude of Gratitude Brings Better Health. The Wall Street Journal, p. C2.
