Scientific evidence that being thankful is good for you

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychologist of the University of California at Riverside, is studying the effects of keeping a "gratitude journal."  She found that people who took the time to conscientiously count their blessings once a week significantly increased their overall satisfaction with life over a period of six weeks.  People who didn't keep gratitude journals didn't experience that.

A psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Martin Seligman, took the concept a step further and suggest making "gratitude visits," in which you express your thanks in person to people you are grateful for.  Take a moment to tell that person why you are grateful for her. Be specific.  "I remember the time I just needed a hug. You saw me after the PTO meeting, came up and looked me in the eye.  Without saying a word, you just knew.  That hug you gave me meant more to me than any words could ever say.  And I just wanted you to know I'm grateful!"

Need a little encouragement yourself? Dr. Seligman also recommends an exercise called the "three blessings": taking time each day to write down a trio of things that went well, and why. Give it a try.

Reprinted with permission by IntegrityNotes.Com