Good question. At a time when life is tough for so many, I worry it sounds a little cheesy. BUT when I hear people complaining about what seem to be small issues, I wonder do we need to acknowledge what we do have?
After my initial reaction, I did some quick searching and found that there is a large amount of research in the area of gratitude that suggests people who are more grateful have:
- reported higher levels of well-being
- reported being happier, less depressed and less stressed
- higher levels of control of their environments
- purpose in life
- greater self acceptance
- better ways of coping with life's difficulties
- a lower likelihood of avoiding problems
- better and longer sleep
- less substance abuse
- more altruistic attitudes
- higher empathy
Although I could not help wondering which comes first? i.e. if I sleep better, am I more likely to be grateful and positive? If i have a purpose in life, am I more likely to be grateful about things?
What do you think?
