Gratitude

One of the things that I notice a lot these days, especially with many of the younger set, is that the act of saying, “Thank You”, is becoming a lost art.

What a shame that is, especially when you stop to realize that having a feeling of gratitude in your everyday life, is one of the best ways to feel good — not only for your mental health, but for your physical health, as well.

In some gratitude research done recently at the University of California, it was found that there are several benefits relating to health that are directly connected to being thankful. Among them are:

– Better Outlook on Life and Physical Fitness — The study looked at people who regularly kept “Gratitude Journals”, where they would write down a few things each day that they were grateful for. Those who wrote positively each day were more likely to exercise regularly than those who didn’t. So they felt better. These people also had a much more optimistic attitude about their future.

– Accomplishment of Goals — The people who kept “Gratitude Journals” were more likely to achieve personal goals than those who didn’t.

– Lower Stress Levels — It was found that people who had a positive outlook and who expressed their gratitude openly were much more able to deal with stressful situations than those who didn’t. And, as we all know, anytime one can keep their stress levels under control, the healthier we’ll be.

– You Feel Good — When you’re aware of the good things in your life, and you aren’t taking them for granted and causing them to go unnoticed, you just have a greater vitality and feelings of satisfaction with your life. Bouts of depression are few and far between.

– Illnesses Are Less Severe — In this study, it was found that people who were “under the weather” developed more positive moods and showed greater energy if they kept journals of things they were grateful for. They also slept better, despite their illness.

– Good Feelings Are Contagious — Of course, when you feel good, those that share in your life will notice and will feel better also. When you’re saying a sincere “Thank You” to someone — or — you are letting someone know how proud you are for them — or — letting someone know that you notice them and their accomplishments, you’ll both feel great.

Put these on your To-Do lists ..

1. Keep a gratitude journal that lists everything you’re thankful for.

2. Write a thank you note to a parent, a teacher, a mentor or anyone else in your life who deserves a pat on the back.

3. Begin and end each day by thinking of five things you’re grateful for.

4. Tell your significant other how much you appreciate him or her on a regular basis.

5. When things go your way, smile and be thankful for them.

6. Be a model for the youngsters in your life and show them how be grateful and how saying, “Thank You” doesn’t hurt.

Have a healthy day.

Shanti,

Ron

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Ron Rink (See my profile on the “Contributors” page — the link is in the upper right hand corner) writes regularly about personal development in his “Ron’s Esoteric Thoughts and Ideas” blog at: http://www.theleaderinside.com — Stop by, check it out, and leave a comment.
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