Practice an ‘attitude of gratitude’ and gain a lifetime
of health benefits From Spotlight on Health - Winter 2013

So you want to make a positive change in 2013. Look no further than your attitude. An “attitude of gratitude” has been shown to have many benefits. Expressing gratitude was associated with significantly greater happiness, optimism, satisfaction with life and progress toward meeting life goals, according to numerous studies. Thankful people were more likely than others to report feeling loved and less likely to report stress and depression.

Grateful people tend to exercise more, sleep better, have fewer headaches, higher levels of energy and heightened immunity. A study of heart attack patients found that those who saw benefits and gains from the first attack were less likely than others to have a second attack.

Set aside some time every day for recording a certain number of things you are thankful for. It’s important to write regularly — first thing in the morning, right after dinner or just before bedtime. Don’t look just for the big events, but the little things that you’re most likely to overlook or take for granted.

Simply put, count your blessings and you will reap emotional and physical rewards.