There’s an old saying that if you’ve forgotten the language of gratitude, you’ll never be on speaking terms with happiness.

It looks like this isn’t just some fluff statement but backed by research. 

HERE’S THE SCIENCE-

There have been many studies done on gratitude and its relationship to happiness. One study* really stands out: 

The study randomly assigned participants one of three tasks. One group briefly described 5 things they were grateful for that had occurred in the past week, another 5 recorded daily hassles from the previous week that displeased them, and the neutral group was asked to list 5 events or circumstances that affected them, but they were not told whether to focus on the positive or on the negative. Ten weeks later, participants in the gratitude group felt better about their lives as a whole and were a full 25% happier than the hassled group. They reported fewer health complaints and exercised an average of 1.5 hours more.

Another project** on daily gratitudes showed some very promising results. Participants had:

Stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure.
Higher levels of positive emotion.
More joy, optimism, and happiness.
Acted with more generosity and compassion.
Felt less lonely and isolated. 

THINK HAPPY-

Remember, if you view the world as cold, dark and frustrating, you will see more of the same. Instead, if you find authentic reasons to give thanks and put your attention there, the stats say you are going to be better off. 

Get your 3 gratitude’s on paper today!

 
*Gratitude study by Robert A. Emmons at the University of California, Davis.
**Gratitude project by Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkley

Shane Rider

Kiowa Fitness