Repost from @avery_books (@penguinrandomhouse) It’s the season to be grateful. But did you know that appreciation is good for your health? “In one study, participants were randomly assigned to three groups and tasked with one of the following, depending on the group: write about things that had occurred during the week that they were grateful for; write about the week’s hassles; or write about the week’s events (without being told whether to write about the positive, neutral, or negative events). After ten weeks, those who wrote about gratitude had a more optimistic and positive outlook on their lives, enjoyed longer and improved sleep, exercised more, and had fewer physical symptoms (i.e., aches and pains) than those who focused on sources of aggravation or burden. They felt more connected to others and had a greater tendency to offer help and emotional support. In another study with a group of veterans, gratitude was even shown to reduce mental health symptoms in the aftermath of trauma.” @doctorsuevarma 📘 Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being by Sue Varma, MD