How to be Grateful in A Negative & Cynical & Pessimistic World

After the hustle and bustle of the first five months of 2023, it's easy to lose sight of the things that matter most to you.

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Here is a Gratitude Practice that is both simple but highly impactful -- make a list of the three things you're most grateful for right now (and every day for the next 21 days). Put it up on your fridge, office wall or anywhere you'll see it regularly.

A growing body of research has confirmed that an ounce of gratitude is worth a pound of cure.

“The practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects in a person’s life,” said Robert A. Emmons , professor of psychology at UC Davis and a leading scientific expert on the science of gratitude.

“It can lower blood pressure, improve immune function and facilitate more efficient sleep. Gratitude reduces lifetime risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders, and is a key resiliency factor in the prevention of suicide,” he said.

Each time you're feeling frustrated or find yourself slipping into a negative headspace, revisit your list.

Sometimes all you need is that little reminder of the good things in your life to get you back on track.