As a student of positive psychology and the science of
gratitude in particular, I like to share with you interesting research findings
that can improve your life.
I recently learned about a study out of the
University of California San Diego (reported in Spirituality in Clinical Practice, March 2015 and Monitor on Psychology, June 2015) which found
that heart disease patients (Stage B heart failure) who scored high on a gratitude
inventory had better moods, better sleep, higher rates of self-efficacy and
less inflammation, an important bio-marker for heart disease, than those
patients who scored low.
Practicing Gratitude means very simply appreciating what you
have in your life. One way to practice gratitude is to keep a Gratitude
Journal. Each day you write down what you are grateful for that day. It could
be anything from your family and friends to the 50% off coupon you got in the
mail. It doesn’t matter whether you are grateful for the “big” things or the “little”
ones. What matters is that you embrace an attitude of gratitude.
Once you get into the habit of keeping an evening gratitude
journal you may find yourself noticing things to be grateful for throughout the
day. Over time, life can begin to feel more enjoyable and easier. Give it
a try. Keep a gratitude journal for 8 weeks and see what happens. Your heart
will thank you!
Until Next Time,
Dr. Sheila
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