7 habits that strengthen your immune system:
WRITE 2 OR 3 SENTENCES IN A GRATITUDE JOURNAL
Why is this important?
Writing in a gratitude journal is an easy way to practice gratitude on a daily basis. Gratitude has been shown to promote happiness and positivity, lower blood pressure, improve immune functioning and facilitate better sleep. It also reduces the risk of anxiety disorders and depression. According to Dr. Robert Emmons of UC Davis, “Studies have shown that grateful people engage in more exercise, have better dietary behaviors, are less likely to smoke and abuse alcohol, and have higher rates of medication adherence – factors that translate into a healthier and happier life.”
Tip: If you don’t want to write in a journal, you could say out loud what you’re grateful for first thing in the morning and last thing before going to bed.
Still not convinced?
Brother David Steindl-Rast’s explains how happiness is born from gratitude in his Ted talk: Want to be happy? Be grateful
Starting new habits is not always easy:
If you experience difficulties with adding a new habit to your daily routine, please read the book “Tiny Habits” by BJ Fogg. BJ is the founder and director of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University and his Tiny Habits Method will help you build habits in a sustainable manner.
BOTTOM LINE: GRATITUDE IMPROVES YOUR HAPPINESS
Additional helpful resources:
Eight Ways Gratitude Boosts Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D, The Little Book of Gratitude, Robert Emmons, PhD, Tiny Habits, BJ Fogg, PhD
