A growing body of research has tied an attitude of gratitude with a number of positive emotional and physical health benefits. A November 2010 article in The Wall Street Journal summarized the research:
Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy, or alcoholics. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly, and have greater resistance
to viral infections.
Now, researchers are finding that gratitude brings similar benefits in children and adolescents. [Studies also show that] kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set
higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches, and feel more satisfied with their friends, families, and schools than those who don't.
The researchers concluded, "A lot of these findings are things we learned in
kindergarten or our grandmothers told us, but now we have scientific evidence to prove them .... The key is not to leave it on the Thanksgiving table."*
"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endures
forever." Psalm 107:1
What are you thankful for today? If we were to actually stop and think about all the blessings that we enjoy...it might take a while.
Have a great day and God bless!
