Time for a seasonally poignant post.
Exercise your gratitude muscles regularly, and you might find yourself healthier and happier.
•People with high blood pressure not only lower their blood pressure, but feel less hostile and are more likely quit smoking and lose weight when they practice gratitude. In one study, patients just called a research hotline once a week to report on the things that made them grateful.
•People who care for relatives with Alzheimer’s disease feel less stress and depression when they keep daily gratitude journals, listing the positive things in their lives.
•Those who maintain a thankful attitude through life appear to have lower risks of several disorders, including depression, phobias, bulimia and alcoholism.
•Most people can lift their mood simply by writing a letter of thanks to someone. Hand-deliver the letter, and the boost in happiness can last weeks or months.
Need some help getting started?
Try starting a gratitude journal. Write down three things you are thankful for everyday. There is even a gratitude journal iphone app.
So once you’ve put the fork down, start working on the happiness of being thankful that your digestion is moving things along. Go from there.
The Mind Body Moderate 