Gratitude helps in more ways than you can imagine. The focus on the positive can change your mindset, and your view of the world.
The world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude, and professor of psychology at UC Davis, Robert Emmons research supports practicing gratitude. He says gratitude is essential for our relationships. It fosters empathy which helps build stronger relationships. It doesn’t stop there – it also helps work performance. Gratitude revs up the desire to perform well, be kind and compassionate, and volunteer for assignments. It is the antidote to feelings of entitlement.
Sleep is also enhanced by gratitude. Feelings of gratefulness correlate with a calm mind and sense of well-being, allowing you to fall asleep easier. Sleeping tip: start a gratitude journal in lieu of your sleeping pills.
Gratitude can also help us make better life choices. We are less likely to reach for distractions or temporary fixes for happiness (drugs and alcohol) if we can be grateful for what is going well in our lives.
Getting into a grateful state of mind takes practice. One can start with thinking of something terribly unhappy they have experienced, and comparing it to their present day. This can lead to feelings of positivity for today. Even in hardship make it a practice to be grateful for the lessons available to you.
“And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
From all of us at GE Grace & Company, Inc., we wish you a happy and grateful holiday season!!