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Gratitude and Health

By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: December 13, 2012
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JOPLIN, MO-- "An attitude of gratitude" is one of those phrases you hear over and over again. But choosing to be grateful can have fringe benefits... even boosting your physical health.

 "A grateful person appreciates that which is already present in their life. What's there, not what's lacking. Our thoughts affect our emotions. So if we have a pleasing thought, it can actually generate positive emotion." And Ozark Center Psychologist Arlene Sadowski says making an effort to be grateful can pay off big time. "We have an immune system that causes us to be able to get over illness or not take on illness. And I think there's evidence that positive emotions can enhance our immune."

Sadowski adds that the reverse is also true. Negative thoughts can hurt your health. Just one more reason to be grateful. "Just begin to be aware of things that they appreciate. People have recommended keeping a gratitude journal. Just keep a little notebook by your bedside. It's good to do this at the end of the day. What three things did I appreciate today."

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