Be Thankful, it’s Good for You
Two American psychologists conducted a very interesting experiment to try and determine the benefits of gratitude. The participants were split into three groups and asked to record daily diary entries. The first group wrote about all their day’s events, the second about their unpleasant experiences and the third about what they were grateful for.
The study indicated daily gratitude resulted in higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. In addition to experiencing less stress, the gratitude group was more likely to selflessly help others, exercise regularly and make progress toward personal goals. According to the study, people who feel grateful are also more likely to feel loved – perhaps the topic of an article for our Valentine’s Day Edition. McCollough and Emmons also noted that gratitude created a positive cycle of reciprocal kindness since one act of gratitude encourages another.
Dr. Ed Deiner, a Professor of Psychology from the University of Washington, has found tremendous links between gratitude and well being. In his own studies he has shown those entering college more cheerful earned an average of $15,000 more upon graduation than their downer counterparts. It was also found that those with a healthy sense of well being have less stress, more friends and better sleep.
With all these benefits you might expect to pay a hundred, perhaps a thousand dollars for a gratitude pill. Well my friends, today is your lucky day. We’re offering a complete gratitude solution, absolutely free – just don’t tell Pfizer. We’re keeping it really simple.
Step 1: Before 9 am each morning ask yourself “What am I grateful for today?” If nothing comes to mind, ask “If I was one of those really annoying positive folks, what would I be grateful for today?”
Step 2: Before falling asleep write down everything from your day you are grateful for, happy about or proud of.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Good Tip
Thanks Dave, that’s what we’re here for!
Hey Dan,
Tom here, the bloke who agreed to put a stand of your fine
publications on display at Hamburger Mary’s, and then later discovered
you live on the same floor in my building!
Just wanted to once again commend you on a great little read and the
effect the Elated News had on my day. I had a handful of those lovely ‘mens beauty’
GQ/Esquire magazines in my hand when I received my Sunday morning
coffee at my local cafe (not a big fan of such spreads, but they are
easier to swallow than some of the main stream papers on a sunny
Sunday). I then spotted your publication tucked into the top shelf and plucked out a copy.
What I read what authentic and pragmatic, and mighty refreshing. I
deeply agree with the premise of Elated News and said to myself that
morning that I’d get in touch and find out about possible future
contributions and the paper in general. I strolled out of the cafe
that morning with a few bonus peptides in my system, put in some tunes and proceeded to have a great day.
It just so happened that you and your friend presented at my workplace
a few days later, and of course I was more than happy to make room on
our shelf and spread the word, so to speak. I also thought I should
have picked your brain further right then and there, and contemplated
running after you fellows down the street! And then, coincidence or
whatever it was manifested itself in me bumping into you again in the
elevator and learning not only that it’s your project, but you’re on
the same bloody floor! Quite amazing I believe.
So congrats Dan, keep up the good work, and if you need a hand
delivering at any point I’d be more than happy to pitch in.
Lastly, your piece on “somebody should” in the Sept issue inspired me
and was the source of a bit of ‘impetus’ in enabling me to help out a
couple of unfortunate youth last night. I saw them set up in bed (
comprised of a few blankets and bags) under the driveway just opposite
our building at around 11pm last night. It was raining cats and dogs,
and they looked cold and destitute. I cruised upstairs and threw a
blanket, a few handfuls of fruit, some trail mix, and a small amount
of $ in a plastic bag and went back downstairs and gave it to them. The
young guy was deeply appreciative, shook my hand, told me how much
they needed an extra blanket, and they both gave me some big beautiful
smiles. I felt slightly more comfortable going up to my warm, dry
apartment after that, and I wasn’t saying “someone should offer a hand to those two young ones” as I got in the lift.
Have a good day Dan, Cheers,
Tom Stranger
Came across the last copy of your initial publication at Citrus on Monday. FYI they need more copies of your latest. I like your name and look forward to regularly seeing a positive and upbeat addition to my world! Cheers!
Thanks for the comment and I’m glad you enjoy our paper! Issue 3 is coming out next week so please stay tuned for that.
Amazing how simple it is to change your entire life and the lives of those around you…gratitude, and more gratitude…the best book-ends to keep the pages of your life together.
Well said, thanks for sharing.