Be thankful

In our team meeting this morning we talked about taking time to be grateful and it got me thinking - is there science behind increased positive mental health and the development of an attitude of gratitude? With just a small amount of research - It appears that there could be, so here's brief overview of the benefits of being thankful:

1. It increases our self esteem - the need to compare ourselves to others in a negative way is reduced

2. It increases mental strength - thankful people have a greater resilience to stress

3. It improves physical health - grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier

4. It helps you sleep better - just jotting a few things you are thankful for before bed could enable you to sleep better and longer

5. It improves psychological health - negative emotions such as frustration, resentment, envy and regret are reduced the more we are thankful

6. It enhances empathy and reduces agression

7. It helps us win friends - thanking others not only is polite but actually helps us develop more friends 

So - why not try it today.  Make a list of things you're thankful for, take a walk and notice the beautiful world and give thanks for it, say thanks to your mum for cooking dinner, Go on - see what a difference it makes....

Thanks to Amy Morin and Forbes.com for this information.