Gratitude

Gratitude is often defined as a positive emotion involving a feeling of emotional indebtedness to a person or deity. Most major religions include gratitude as part of their teachings, however new research shows that gratitude may have health benefits. Two psychologists conducted a study on gratitude and thanksgiving and the results showed that participants who composed a daily list of things they were grateful for experienced higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. In addition to those benefits; the participants also experienced less depression and stress. These participants increased their level of physical activity and made more progress towards their personal goals. This study also showed that gratitude works independently of religion and spirituality. For more information about this research visit this site…

http://www.acfnewsource.org/religion/gratitude_theory.html

How can you apply this research?

Think about the last time you received a thank you note? How did that note make you feel? This research is very interesting but we all know that everyone loves to feel appreciated. Take the time out of you week to write a thank you note to someone or make a short list of things you are grateful for.

“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.”

-Eric Hoffer

Source: ACF Newsource

http://www.acfnewsource.org/religion/gratitude_theory.html

Retrieved on October 5, 2006