Scientific Proof that Gratitude is Good For you!
Depending on how long you have been a subscriber or been following this blog, you will know that I have talked quite a bit about being Grateful and keeping a Gratitude Journal. My comments have been based on personal experience as well as what others have reported.
I found some scientific proof to back up these statements! People that have written in a gratitude journals at weekly intervals and also exercised on a regular basis, reported fewer physical symptoms, had a better disposition and felt better about their lives as a whole. They were also more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events!
You may say there are other things involved like exercise and THAT is the reason. Even so, I bet they both had a positive effect!
For some more light reading, check out: Emmons, R.A., & McCullough, M.E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: Experimental studies of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 377-389
Be Well.
Hi Paul,
I was SO happy to here from you today on my Mandala Oasis blog ( http://www.mandalaoasis.blogspot.com/ ) – that made my morning! And…I’m also happy to hear from you because I’m reminded of your inspiring, joyful and passionate “attitude of gratitude”…and your devotion to raising awareness on the planet. I am grateful for you and your presence here on Earth…and all you do to compassionately nudge us to deepen our awareness to court the energy of gratitude that already resides within us… it’s just waiting for us to beckon it. Thank you Paul! …and… I’ll post another mandala as soon as possible (I’ve been spending more time offline,…I am glad you like my posts) – Also.. as of Jan. 2010 I started a Gratitude-Joy blog! – was posting daily, but will likely go to weekly or biweekly online (but keeping up in my journal o
ffline). You can see it here: http://gratitude360.blogspot.com/ — I’ll add your blog to my “favs”..
Abundant blessings to you…and yours 🙂 Cheryl
@Cheryl @ Gratitude-Joy!
Great to hear from you again, Cheryl! It is always a pleasure for me to read your writings!