The word "gratitude" traces its roots back to Middle English, Anglo-French, medieval Latin, and to the Latin word "gratus," which means "grateful," or appreciative and thankful.  As Thanksgiving approaches, it's a natural time to ponder the meaning of gratitude and reflect on the times when we have felt this way in our lives.  But what if there was evidence that doing this simple practice of reflecting on all the things you have to be thankful and grateful for more frequently could improve your health?

There is evidence suggesting that this is exactly the case.  Robert Emmons is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, and cites several studies which point towards the integral role that feeling thankful and appreciative plays in maintaining health and balance.

• In an experimental comparison, people who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives in general, and were more optimistic about the approaching week compared to those who recorded challenges, drawbacks, or neutral life events (Emmons & McCullough, 2003, cited from http://gratitudepower.net/science.htm)
• Emmons has also found in his research that those who write down their grateful thoughts tend to get more hours of sleep each night, spend less time awake before they fall asleep, and feel more refreshed when they wake up.

One simple way of introducing the practice of gratitude into your daily life is to pause either first thing in the morning or right before going to bed and write down five things you have to be thankful and grateful for in your life. Get creative!  This alone could help you sleep better without medications, decrease physical ailments, and increase your willingness and commitment to exercise.  It's simple, free, and takes less than five minutes to do!  There is nothing to lose, and by doing so, your health could become yet another thing you have to be thankful and grateful for.

Happy November,

Allison MacLennan, M.D.

Learn about and experience the technique that restores health, balance, and positive emotions like gratitude in your life: Dr. MacLennan's B.E.S.T (BioEnergetic Synchronization Technique) seminar will be held Wednesday, November 11 from 6:30-8 PM at The Healing Sanctuary.  Seating is limited to 12 people.  Call (714) 730-2233 to reserve your seat.