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by Mary Jorgensen
Have you noticed how popular gratitude is these days? Seems everyone from Oprah to Jane Fonda are urging us to be grateful. Just why is gratitude considered a key to health and happiness?
According to Dr. Robert Emmons there are three good reasons to get more deliberate about practicing gratitude on a daily basis. Emmons is the author of How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier.
First, a daily practice gives us a significant happiness boost.
I’ve noticed when I do a daily gratitude practice, everything starts to look a little better and my mood seems brighter.
Second, Dr. Emmons claims that we sleep better when we practice gratitude regularly.
A lot of us have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep. As the old song says, “count your blessings, name them one by one.” Evidence says it’s useful for a good night’s sleep.
Third, Dr. Emmons says we get an energy boost from regularly giving thanks.
Powering up our moods can lead to renewed ideas in the brain, new commitment to do what needs to be done, and the energy to fuel success.
Starting a new daily routine doesn’t need to be unpleasant or time-consuming.
It’s easy to get started: Simply get a little notebook that you dedicate to this purpose and keep it where you’ll be reminded to write in it regularly.
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Place the notebook by your bed. This will remind you to journal before you turn out the light.
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List three simple things you’re grateful for. Big or little, of huge importance, or little consequence.
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No need to write sentences; you can write words or short phrases.
I add the date so I can look back and notice changes. Once you begin daily gratitude journaling, you’ll start noticing more events, people or things you’ll want to remember to put on your list.
When we start noticing what we’re grateful for, our hearts and minds open to more opportunities for appreciation.
Best of all, our mindset turns away from anger, anxiety, disappointment or sadness. We’re able to interact with others more kindly, openly, and productively. Even in challenging times, gratitude can help us notice opportunities and solutions that otherwise may elude us. This simple daily practice doesn’t change our difficult circumstances, but it expands our vision toward how best to use our resources to make life better for ourselves and others. Seems so simple, and it is!
Author of Way of the SAGE: 4 Paths to Manage Stress and Build Resilience, Mary Jorgensen provides practical tools to harness inner wisdom. Mary is an educator, life coach, and workshop designer specializing in personal growth and workplace satisfaction. To schedule workshops or consultation with Mary: jorgmary@msn.com
Photos of resilient woman by Parker Deen