Make a Gratitude Adjustment

Feeling thankful is one key to happiness, so count your blessings for a boost, reports Psychology Today.

A long time ago I heard Phyllis Diller say, “happiness is a habit.” Similarly, the researchers note that, “the biggest bonuses come from experiencing gratitude habitually.” The article suggests maybe taking just a few minutes each day to jot down things that make you thankful, from the generosity of friends to the food on your table or the right to vote. Apparently, feeling thankful even brings physical changes. Some of the list-keepers sleep better, exercise more and gain a general contentment that may counteract stress and contribute to overall health.

Obviously, this might feel a little awkard or silly at first, so the researchers also suggested you fake it until you can make it. “Say ‘thank you’ enough, one reasons, and your mind will fall in line with your words.” Overall they note that when individuals start a daily gratitude journal they begin to feel a greater sense of connectedness to the world. The differences are noticed by others. Thankfulness may launch a happy cycle in which rich friendships bring joy, which gives you more to be grateful for, which fortifies your friendships once again.

It’s different, I know. But, it’s time to feel better and we gotta’ try something. If we do what we’ve always done, we’ll get what we’ve always gotten.