Gratitiude All Year Raises Self-Esteem

Gratitude fosters higher self-esteem and a more satisfying life. It's something anyone can do; it takes a few minutes a day and doesn't cost a dime.

There have been studies that indicate that people who practice gratitude are happier, less stressed, more satisfied with their relationships and have higher levels of control of their environment. Grateful people have more positive ways of dealing with problems, and sleep better. Studies have shown that if you think more positive thoughts before going to sleep you will sleep better.

Although there are many emotions and traits that are important elements of a satisfying life, gratitude is a uniquely important element. Gratitude has been demonstrated to explain well being more that any other of the most commonly studied personality traits.

One way to make gratitude part of you life is to keep a gratitude journal, a proven method of increasing emotional and physical well being. Every night before you go to sleep write down 5 things for which you are grateful. It can be a meal or an important accomplishment. It's ok to repeat the same things. As with visualization, the important thing is to experience the feeling as you write the item down. Make a commitment to practice this for just 10 days and see what happens. You will experience an appreciation of the positive in your life and increase positive feelings about yourself.

Another way is to write a gratitude letter or make a gratitude visit. This is not a thank you note, although those are great too! It is a thoughtful statement about what gives you pleasure in a relationship and describes specific aspects of a relationship. It is a simple and profound exercise that has great meaning for both the author and recipient.