I don't know about you, but I am burnt out by all the material consumption of the holiday season. Television ads featuring cheesy marriage proposals or waking up to a car with a bow on top in your living room are constant reminders of things that are supposed to make us happy (diamonds and luxury cars and living rooms spacious enough for those cars to fit in).
As a yin to the consumerism yang, and to help us refocus on what really matters, I'd like to share with you the secret to lasting happiness: gratitude. As an article in the Wall Street Journal reports,"a growing body of research suggests...adults who frequently feel more grateful...earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections." Simply feeling grateful can lead to real happiness and well-being...how cool is that? Kids and adolescents also benefit from gratitude - the article has techniques to help your kids be grateful too. The studies show that grateful kids are less materialistic, get better grades, and have more desire to give back.
Here are a few ways to cultivate gratitude:
1. Think positive thoughts and speak to others (and yourself) using positive words.
2. Before going to sleep, think of 3 specific things that went well during the day.
3. Upon waking, think of 3 things that you're looking forward to that day.
4. Keep a gratitude journal.
5. Express thanks and gratitude aloud, and avoid criticizing those around you (especially loved ones).
Valerie Neng, Holistic Health Coach offers advice and support through monthly newsletters, articles, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Clients' needs range from weight loss to having more energy to being more productive, and beyond. To learn more, please visit http://www.valerieneng.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment