In observance of Thanksgiving our office will be closed beginning Wednesday, November 21st. We will reopen on Monday, November 26th at 8:00 am CST.
We would like to leave you with some thoughts on gratitude. This article originally appeared in our November Newsletter.
An Easy Way to Improve Your Health & Happiness
Even though our world is fast, often chaotic and unpredictable, isn’t it worth finding the beauty in each day?
While chronic fear is bad for you it turns out gratitude, on the other hand, makes you emotionally stable and thus happier and healthier.
We call fear by many names . . . shame, apathy, frustration, grief, overwhelm, guilt, anger or even pride. If you give in and view the world as scary and try to control it, you’re going to get a world that is, well, scary. But if you can find any authentic reason to give thanks, anything that is going right with the world or your life, and put your attention there, then statistics say you’re going to be better off!
Does this mean you have to live in a state of constant “ignoring” and put your head in the sand? Of course not! Gratitude works when you’re grateful for something real. Realistically looking at what you have created in your life, relationships, health and money actually empowers you to take action, not be a victim. What are you truthfully grateful for? It’s a question that could change your life.
There’s an old saying that “if you’ve forgotten the language of gratitude, you’ll never be on speaking terms with happiness.” It turns out this isn’t just a fluffy idea.
Several studies have shown depression to be inversely correlated to gratitude. It seems that the more grateful a person is, the less depressed they are. Philip Watkins, a clinical psychologist at Eastern Washington University, found that clinically depressed individuals showed significantly lower gratitude (nearly 50 percent less) than non-depressed controls.
Recent studies have concluded that the expression of gratitude can have profound and positive effects on our health, our moods and even the survival of our marriages.
As Drs. Blaire and Rita Justice reported for the University of Texas Health Science Center, “a growing body of research shows that gratitude is truly amazing in its physical and psychosocial benefits.”
In one study on gratitude, conducted by Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., at the University of California at Davis and his colleague Mike McCullough at the University of Miami, randomly assigned participants were given one of three tasks. Each week, participants kept a short journal. One group briefly described five things they were grateful for that had occurred in the past week, another five recorded daily hassles from the previous week that displeased them, and the neutral group was asked to list five events or circumstances that affected them, but they were not told whether to focus on the positive or on the negative. Ten weeks later, participants in the gratitude group felt better about their lives as a whole and were a full 25 percent happier than the hassled group. They reported fewer health complaints, and exercised an average of 2.5 hours more.
Perhaps most tellingly, the positive changes were markedly noticeable to others. According to the researchers, “Spouses of the participants in the gratitude (group) reported that the participants appeared to have higher subjective well-being than did the spouses of the participants in the control (group).”
Apparently, positive vibes aren’t just for “New agers”.
If you want in on the fun, here are some simple things you can do to build positive momentum toward a more happy and fulfilling life:
1) Keep a daily journal of three things you are thankful for. This works well first thing in the morning, or just before you go to bed. Even better post them on Facebook and share the joy with others.
2) Make it a practice to tell a spouse, employee, neighbor or friend something you appreciate about them every day. Say “Thank You” often and with a smile.
3) Keep track of your accomplishments daily and weekly; allow your successes to sink in and inspire you.
Sure this world gives us plenty of reasons to be afraid. But when we get off the roller coaster of fear and control, and cultivate instead an attitude of gratitude, things don’t just look better — they actually get better! Thankfulness feels good, it’s good for you and it’s a blessing for the people around you, too.
By Alicia Marie, Founder & Managing Director, People Biz, Inc.
People Biz, Inc. is a coaching and training company that helps clients to achieve measurable transformation in realizing their personal and professional goals. Owner Alicia Marie has been coaching, training and helping business owners for over 13 years. Her years of experience as a professional coach, workshop leader and entrepreneur have allowed her to help individuals and businesses reach their optimal potential, improving productivity, satisfaction and increasing profits. More information on coaching and training services offered by People Biz, Inc. can be found online at www.peoplebizinc.com or by calling (512) 989-2230.