Finding ways to experience and practice gratitude has shown to be one of the most powerful predictors of happiness and well-being.
How easy is it for you to find gratitude in your own life? Can you readily name people, places, and experiences you are thankful for? How often do you take time to step back and really appreciate what you have?
There are increasing amounts of psychology research behind the science of gratitude. Studies show that doing simple exercises like writing a thank you letter or creating a gratitude list have shown to improve positive emotion and decrease stress and anxiety.
The best part is that these "gratitude exercises" take very little time to practice and are really simple and easy to do.
Just a few daily gratitude exercises you can do:
- Say "Thank You" more often
- Write down 5 people you are grateful for (and why)
- Write down 5 experiences you are grateful for (and why)
- Write down 5 things about yourself you are grateful for (and why)
- Give back to your community through volunteer work or charity
- Visualize how your life would be without certain things you take for granted (food, shelter, warmth, relationships, etc.)
- Send a "Thank You" letter or e-mail toward someone who has really helped you in the past.
- Create a piece of music, art, or poetry - and dedicate it to someone
- Keep in mind the simple pleasures in life
None of these things are difficult to do. However, when you take the time to actually practice them, they can make a dramatic improvement in your everyday life.
Do you feel you need more gratitude in your life? Then schedule 5-10 minutes every morning or night to practice these gratitude exercises.
Today, more and more people are taking advantage of using gratitude exercises like this to improve the state of their lives.
Often times we struggle with happiness because we are constantly striving for more. We think once we have X or Y we will finally be happy - but this is rarely ever the case.
The key to happiness is to learn how to be happy with what we already have - no matter what it is or where we find ourselves in our lives. If we can't do that, then we will always be blindly striving for more and never be content.
These gratitude exercises will teach you how to be happy with your life exactly how it is.
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Gratitude Workbook - A 15 day crash course filled with scientifically proven exercises on how to practice appreciation and be more thankful in your everyday life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steven_Handel/348196
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