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 ]