Gratitude: An intentional appreciation of what and who you have; an acceptance and explicit acknowledgment of what life brings you.

Maybe you don’t need any, but it turns out there's good scientific evidence that practicing gratitude is good for our emotional and physical health. It’s my favorite prescription this time of year. I’ve listed below five compelling health reasons (with associated research citations) to work on your gratitude practice. Gratitude, it turns out, can be taught and learned, and studied. And it works.

1. Gratitude reduces depression.

In eight different studies, gratitude was shown to reduce feelings of depression. It worked best when people chose to think optimistically and re-frame events and situations in a positive way.

2. Gratitude can help you feel peaceful.

It lessens anxiety, and can be helpful for those suffering from severe conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

3. Gratitude can help improves sleep.

It improves sleep, which in turn has a positive impact on mood. And anxiety. And just about everything.

4. Gratitude is great for your heart.

It improves overall cardiac health, both indirectly through improving mood and attention to positive health behaviors like fitness and nutrition, as well as directly through reduction in inflammation.

5. Gratitude is a brain booster.

It strengthens memory. For elderly adults, practicing gratitude was shown to improve their overall sense of well-being and quality of life.

Why wait?

http://www.thepositivestory.info/2016/12/5-reasons-why-gratitude-is-good-for.html