gratitude

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, the holiday that has its origin in the Puritan tradition of giving thanks for a good harvest. The Puritans weren’t the first in this regard. Many religious and societal traditions are based on the concept of gratitude. What all these traditions may or may not have known is that recent scientific studies point to a direct link between gratitude and a deep satisfaction with life. Not only is it good to give thanks, but it is also good for you to do so!

In a study at the University of California at Davis, Professor Robert Emmons came up with some very interesting and illuminating results from his research project on gratitude and thankfulness. Professor Emmons found that people who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events. In addition, participants who kept the journals were more likely to make progress toward their personal goals in life.

Learn 7 new ways to put a smile on someone's face. You won't know how many people are encouraged by your kindness because smiles are contagious. Try out one or more of these 7 ways today to make the world a better place.