By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain Gratitude improves self-esteem . A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.(Pyschology Today,   http://bit.ly/2sRBIR0)   Fitbit, my taskmaster, added a new feature. It rates …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer. (Pyschology Today,   http://bit.ly/2sRBIR0) What keeps you up at night? Your health? Someone …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression . Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less kindly, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experienced …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain   Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people, according to a 2012 study published in  Personality and Individual Differences. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health. They exercise more often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups, which …[ read more ]