Gratitude has been encouraged by world religions and philosophy for centuries; however, only recently has the important role of gratitude in generating happiness and wellbeing been explored by psychology. This is partly due to the discipline’s traditional focus on distress and pathology versus wellbeing and positive emotions. In the past decade, the positive psychology movement has led to the exploration of the lighter side of our minds and hearts.
Recent research studies suggest there may be significant short-term benefits to the emotion of gratitude: improved physical and emotional health, increased self-esteem, more functional coping mechanisms and stronger social bonds. Gratitude has been also shown to increase altruistic behaviour which further improves self esteem and social connections.
A simple way of conjuring up the emotion of gratitude on a daily basis is to jot down five blessings on a notebook before you go to bed. It might be useful to rate your general level of wellbeing at the end of the day as well. Keep track of any variations in mood when you are counting blessings versus when you are not.
Blessings can be obvious and significant: having received a hefty raise, going into remission from a serious illness, having a healthy baby. Sometimes a blessing can be quite ordinary. The blooming daffodils as spring approaches, the aroma of that first cup of coffee in the morning or perhaps the laughter of a child at the sight of soap bubbles floating through the air…
Recent research studies suggest there may be significant short-term benefits to the emotion of gratitude: improved physical and emotional health, increased self-esteem, more functional coping mechanisms and stronger social bonds. Gratitude has been also shown to increase altruistic behaviour which further improves self esteem and social connections.
A simple way of conjuring up the emotion of gratitude on a daily basis is to jot down five blessings on a notebook before you go to bed. It might be useful to rate your general level of wellbeing at the end of the day as well. Keep track of any variations in mood when you are counting blessings versus when you are not.
Blessings can be obvious and significant: having received a hefty raise, going into remission from a serious illness, having a healthy baby. Sometimes a blessing can be quite ordinary. The blooming daffodils as spring approaches, the aroma of that first cup of coffee in the morning or perhaps the laughter of a child at the sight of soap bubbles floating through the air…
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