NICE News: Grateful People are Happier & Healthier

I'm sure most of you know that feeling grateful coincides with feeling happy. That's the reason why people keep gratitude journals and make love lists. Focusing on the positive things in our lives washes away the gloom of the negatives. Well, in case you were skeptical, there is now scientific research that proves that people who act grateful lead happier and healthier lives. (Sidenote: I wish I were a psychologist so I could work on studies like this!)

This article ("Thank You. No, Thank You.) from the Wall Street Journal discusses the research that assistant professor of psychology at Hofstra University, Dr. Jeffrey Froh, and his colleagues compiled through various studies on gratitude.

From the article:
Being grateful also forces people to overcome what psychologists call the "negativity bias"—the innate tendency to dwell on problems, annoyances and injustices rather than upbeat events. Focusing on blessings can help ward off depression and build resilience in times of stress, grief or disasters, according to studies of people impacted by the Sept. 11 terror attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

There's even a little "How Grateful Are You?" quiz that you can take. But I think generally you'd know whether or not you're a grateful person without taking the test. :) I love the infographic included with the article which has techniques to help kids be grateful. Honestly, their recommendations work just as well for adults!

If you have a few minutes to spare, I definitely recommend taking a look at the article and let me know what you think! Did you learn anything from it? I think I want to try the Naikan self-reflection exercise.