| The beginning of summer for many is a break from the usual routine. Time to refresh, recharge and perhaps re-evaluate. For me it’s a time to think about which new habits I would like to integrate and work on. The 8 weeks of summer gives me this opportunity and I will practice the art of thanksgiving, also known as gratitude. What is Gratitude? The simple definition: a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Even a single act of kindness can go a long way Scientists studying positive psychology found that a one-time act of thoughtful gratitude produced an immediate 10% increase in happiness and 35% reduction in depressive symptoms. Like any good habit, gratitude is an act to be repeated again and again. The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless and it is as easy as regularly taking time to notice and reflect upon the things that you are thankful for. In turn you will experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. “Gratitude can boost neurotransmitter serotonin and activate the brain stem to produce dopamine.” It can make us feel better, work better and live better. What can you do today to practice thanksgiving through gratitude? Give someone a compliment; write down one great thing that happened, say thank you to a colleague. Or better yet, keep a journal written or digital – you choose and make it a habit. I hope you see the amazing benefits that it will bring. Our 5-Day Doodle Break Challenge has a daily gratitude section. Join us and learn how you can integrate gratitude into your day to day. Make it a habit you can’t resist! Sign-up here |
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