In spite of the continuing global pandemic and all of its disruptions to life, many are still approaching the Thanksgiving holiday with a spirit of gratitude. That is a good thing!
Gratitude has many benefits overall according to Robert Emmons, one of the world’s greatest researchers in the area of gratitude. In his article What Good Is Gratitude? (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_gratitude_is_good), Emmons provides the following benefits of gratitude:
- Stronger immune system
- Lower blood pressure
- Better sleep
- Higher levels of positive emotions
- Feeling more alive and awake
- More optimism and happiness
- Greater willingness to be helpful, compassionate, and generous
- Greater willingness to forgive others
- Higher levels of esteem and expression of outgoing behaviors
- Fewer feelings of loneliness and isolation
As you prepare for next week, think about how you can help your students develop their gratitude muscles. It could make a profound positive impact on them, on you, and on the world!
If you want more information directly from Dr. Emmons, check out this video about the subject of gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRV8AhCntXc&feature=emb_logo
makeitbettertoday.com 