For many people who gather around a dinner table this Thanksgiving, the ritual may include each sharing something they are thankful for in their lives. “I’m thankful for good health.” “I’m thankful for a loving spouse and terrific children.” “I’m thankful to live in a free nation.” When it comes down to it, we all have much to be grateful for – everyday.
Yet, are we as happy as we should be? Or can be? A recent experiment found that the simple acts of smiling, counting your blessings and reliving happy memories can make you happier.
An article in The Guardian reported the findings of an online study of 26,000 participants. “The Science of Happiness” (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/aug/12/uk-happiness-study) found the most effective way to boost happiness was thinking of a positive thing that happened the day prior and smiling.
It was supposed that the act of reliving positive events from the previous day while still vivid in one’s mind had a profound effect on the way many people assess their current state of being.
As part of the study, participants were also asked to smile during the normal course of their day. Previous studies have shown that the mere act of smiling causes the brain to release endorphins, a natural ‘feel good’ chemical. Even the act of smiling when you don’t feel like smiling causes these happy chemicals to release, resulting in a more upbeat mood.
Robert Emmons’ new book “Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier” shared findings of studies that back up the positive effects of gratitude.
A his book, he shares the findings of one study in which participants were divided into three groups, each making weekly journal entries. One group wrote five things they were grateful for. A second group wrote about five irritants in their week and the third group listed five events in their week that had affected them in some way.
Th gratitude group not only felt more positive about their lives overall, they were more optimistic about the future and reported fewer health problems than other participants. The gratitude group were also found to sleep better, require less time to fall asleep and felt more refreshed in the morning.
Another study focused on a group of people suffering from neuromuscular diseases, some highly debilitating. For the people who wrote daily in gratitude journals, they reported to be more satisfied with their lives and more optimistic about the future.
This Thanksgiving, share your smile often and focus on the bounty we all have, everyday. We are blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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