We hear a lot about how important diet and exercise are to our health. There is something else that is also important for health – gratitude. That’s right. Research shows that gratitude is good for you: “Recent studies have concluded that the expression of gratitude can have profound and positive effects on our health, our moods and even the survival of our marriages.”
If you want to see such positive effects in your life, the first step might simply be to change your attitude. Instead of starting each day by focusing on the stress that comes with whatever your day may bring, take a moment to appreciate the day before you.
Next, make a conscious decision to tell someone thank you today. It might be as simple as a smile and a “thank you” to the person who hands you your morning coffee at the drive-through. Or it could be taking the time to pick up the phone to tell a friend or family member how much you appreciate having them in your life.
Whatever it is, you will discover that the few minutes it takes you to express gratitude to someone else will have a big impact on your life.