Conscious Comments November 1, 2012 | Page 11

Benefits of Gratitude:

Health

-Recognizing what you have to be thankful for makes

you happy and happy people tend to take better care

of themselves-Less stress-Keeping a gratitude journal shows you

thngs aren’t as bad as they seem…or could be

-lower blood pressure

-Less physical pain

-More sleep

-Better sleep quality

Emotional

-Less envy

-More resilience

-More relaxation

-Happier memories

-Decrease or eliminate depression

Social

-Improved relationships-saying or showing “thanks” strengthens bonds

-We appreciate people more and become nicer

-Improved communication-When we are grateful for others, we are more likely to xpress ourselves in a loving manner

-We become more open, less shy

Career

-Better management skills-employees are more motivated to

-Work hard when they feel appreciated

-More accomplishments-Realizing your own talents and gifts

-Motivates you to pursue dreams and meet challenges

How to Express Gratitude:

-Start your day off by being grateful for life

-Keep a Gratitude Journal

Everyday, or once a week, write 5 things for which you are grateful

-Say “thank you”

-Tell or send a note to someone you appreciate or are grateful to have in your life

-Give thanks for “negative” things

-Find something good about the situation or person, i.e., an opportunity

to learn or grow Photo by Hossein Attar

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