Put Your Thanks in Writing!

Social Fitness Challenge #4: Write down 3-5 things every day for which you are grateful.

The definition of gratitude is the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful and appreciative.

Keeping a gratitude journal, where you write down five things each day you feel grateful for has been associated with greater well being according to the research of Robert Emmons, described in his book, Thanks!. You may be grateful for particular colleagues, loved ones, or what you found to be fun or meaningful during the day. Examples may also include the color of the sky or your first cup of coffee, or how your morning exercise routine left you feeling refreshed and alive.

You may notice, as you do this, that you are more likely to acknowledge a colleague or friend, or a member of your family. According to the research, you are also likely to notice within weeks that you feel happier and healthier.