9 Ways to Promote Gratitude in Your Life

Gratitude is good for us every way you look at it. According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California in Riverside, it boosts our happiness levels in a number of ways: by promoting the savoring of positive life experiences, by bolstering self-worth and self-esteem and thereby helping to cope with stress and trauma, by building social bonds and encouraging moral behavior, and by diminishing negative emotions and helping us adjust to new situations. Gratitude has a number of health benefits as well. “Research suggests that individuals who are grateful in their daily lives actually report fewer stress-related health symptoms, including headaches, gastrointestinal (stomach) issues, chest pain, muscle aches, and appetite problems,” says Sheela Raja, PhD, an assistant professor and clinical psychologist in the Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Illinois in Chicago. But how do we get there? For some folks, gratitude is much easier than for others. I, for one, have to work really hard at it because my cup usually appears one-third full. With a few exercises, though, I can become a more grateful person and promote gratitude in my life, which brings many emotional and physical gifts. 1. Go Ahead and Compare I constantly compare myself to people who are more productive than I am (have more energy and need less sleep), who go to a doctor once a year, and who are resilient to stress. “Why can’t I be like her?” I ask ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Depression Happiness Inspiration & Hope Mental Health and Wellness Mindfulness Motivation and Inspiration Self-Help Appreciation Bipolar Gratitude Journaling Loving Kindness Meditation Sonja Lyubomirsky thanks Source Type: blogs