A lot of people go to great lengths to be happier. They’ll move to a new city, change careers, and make a number of other dramatic moves. However, studies have shown that such decisions will rarely bring about lasting improvements in happiness. Surprising, a much simpler and easier practice can make you significantly happier. Gratitude.
The Study:
One study divided participants into three groups: one wrote down 5 things they were grateful for once a week for 10 weeks; another group wrote down 5 hassles; a third wrote down 5 events. The researchers found that the gratitude group was 25% happier than the hassles group (what most people do). The gratitude group also reported less health complaints and exercised 1.5 hours more a week! Here’s some other benefits of gratitude:
Another study found that expressing gratitude worked better when performed once a week versus 3x times a week. So pick one day a week (maybe Sunday) and list 5 things your grateful and keep the practice up as long as you can!