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Some suggest that gratitude moves people to feel more positive emotions. These positive emotions help us enjoy life, face adversity, develop stronger relationships, and even improve our health. All keys that lead to greater happiness.
Studies show that happiness leads to greater longevity. Yes, being happy can help you live longer!
So how can we nurture happiness?
Experts suggest a “gratitude journal” is one good way. Use the journal to write down the good stuff that happens to you each day. Just thinking about it isn’t enough. It’s important to write those good feelings down. The journal can serve as a daily outlet for thoughts and feelings about things in your life for which you are thankful – big or small.
As you get started on your journal, here are some entry ideas to kick-start your creativity:
Write your journal entries in any style you like. Don’t worry about perfect grammar and spelling. Be as brief or detailed as you’d want. Plan to write in your gratitude journal every night for 15 minutes. Keep it on your nightstand so you remember.
If you find yourself focusing on negative feelings, refocus your mind on a good event and the positive feelings that came with it. This may take practice, but it gets easier over time and can make a real difference in the way you feel.
Remember, gratitude can lead to greater happiness and all the benefits that go with it.
Originally published 1/26/2016; Revised 2017, 2021