Pink Magazine - SOUL FOOD
February/March 2006
Gratitude Equals Happiness
Counting your blessings isn't just good for your soul; it may also be good for
your health. Research conducted through the John Templeton Foundation shows
that people who intentionally practice gratitude have a better outlook on problems,
exercise, mor regularly and achieve more of their personal goals than people
who don't. Here's how to benefit:
It is impossible to be stressed and grateful simultaneously. Discipline yourself
so that in the midst of stressful moments, you stop, take a deep breath and
appreciate something in your life. This resets your internal thermostat.
Pick a certain time each day to focus on gratitude. Smile, take a deep breath
and say, "I am grateful for___." You can do this while brushing your
teeth, commuting to work or eating lunch. Just as you schedule a meeting, schedule
your gratitude moment. After a week or two it will become part of your daily
life.
Each day, write down in your planner or PDA one thing you are grateful for.
Later on you will enjoy reviewing this trail of your life. It can become your
private gratitude journal.
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