An Attitude of Gratitude

Being Thankful May Lead to a Longer, Happier Life

Research in the area of gratitude is suggesting that feelings of thankfulness have a positive value in helping people cope with daily stressors at home and at work, reports Forbes. 

WebMD has reported on findings from Robert Emmons, University of California Davis Psychology Professor, who said, “Throughout history, philosophers and religious leaders have extolled gratitude as a virtue integral to health and well-being. Now, through a recent movement called positive psychology, mental health professionals are taking a close look at how virtues such as gratitude can benefit our health. And they are reaping positive results…. Grateful people take better care of themselves and engage in more protective health behaviors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, [and] regular physical examinations.”

Conversely, lack of gratitude can lead to creating stress; anxiety can be evidenced at work by reduced productivity, safety concerns, poor morale, and absenteeism. In addition, stress can make us really sick, and it is linked with heart disease and cancer.  If you are grateful, however, you are probably more optimistic. That characteristic, researchers say, boosts the immune system.