There are a lot of things in life that can stress us out, worry us, and make us anxious.
But a new report this week suggests a way to reduce some of that and improve our mental and emotional health.
It’s not something you take out of a medicine bottle you buy after watching one of those TV informercials or videos on line. And it’s not some new form of exercise or relaxation.
While things like that can help at times, the advice from experts in this new report is doing something that you don’t do very often or as much as they say you could.
The answer? Expressing gratitude and being more grateful.
It’s not a new answer. A landmark study some 20 years ago found that gratitude can improve psychological well-being.
Recent studies also have found that having a grateful outlook, “counting one’s blessings” and expressing gratitude to others can have positive effects on our emotional health. And can reduce depression and anxiety, increase self-esteem and make daily life more satisfying.
This new report says many experts believe that even a small dose of gratitude, once a day, every day, is key.
Sounds like a pretty good idea and one that could make us grateful for trying it.
(Photo Getty Images)
Photo: AFP via Getty Images