Gratitude: count your blessings for better health

PRIME – August 2013 By Jonathan Evans By Victor Acquista, MD Special to PRIME In our modern approach to enjoying better health we sometimes focus more on diagnoses, tests, and medications as the answers to health. But a simple approach to being healthier is available to us all – for free. That approach is gratitude. Quite simply, being grateful and cultivating an attitude of gratitude is good for us in many ways. The gratitude benefits Gratitude reduces aggression and increases empathy. Gratitude helps to reduce stress and to boost the immune system. Grateful people tend to be more optimistic. In a world of uncertainty, this attitude of gratitude helps us to cope with the wiles and vicissitudes of life. People who express and practice gratitude tend to have more life satisfaction and to enjoy better relationships. Life presents us with many challenges, but also with many opportunities. Whatever challenges you might face, taking time to recognize what you're grateful for can provide a beneficial counter balance to dwelling on the difficulties. Looking at the full half of the glass helps you to maintain a positive outlook. When we complain about our life circumstances, we often feel de-energized and drained. Taking a moment to count our blessings and express gratitude helps to boost our energy levels. Expressing gratitude can even help us sleep better as well as stick with an exercise routine. Create a gratitude attitude So what are some ways you can enjoy these health benefits and cultivate more gratitude in your lives? Instead of once a year, make Thanksgiving a daily mindset. Count your blessings. Express your gratitude and appreciation to others. Remind yourself about the things in your life that you appreciate, that you are thankful and grateful for. Think about someone in your life who has helped you and write a gratitude letter. In his book, "Flourish," Dr. Marty Seligman recommends this letter be 300 words in length and is delivered in person. Readers of this column may recall that I have previously written about Dr. Seligman, whom many characterize as the father of positive psychology. He recommends you read the entire letter slowly to your benefactor and he claims you will be less depressed and happier a month later. Write thank you notes, send thank you emails, and make thank you phone calls. Keep a gratitude journal. Count your blessings. Make it a habit to set aside time daily or weekly with the specific intent of reviewing the blessings in your life. It is said, "The more you are in a state of gratitude, the more you will attract things to be grateful for." I don't know for sure if that is true, but I do know that cultivating and expressing gratitude is good for your health. There are 86,400 seconds in a day; use a few to say, "Thank you!" You will be happier and healthier. With sincere gratitude, – Victor Victor Acquista MD is author of "Pathways To Health: An Integral Guidebook" and a partner in the Collaborative for Community Health in Palmer. For more info on Acquista's book, visit http://pathstohealth.info/