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This Week in Wellbeing Matters…

• Studies Show: Being and acting grateful can make you happier, less anxious, and less depressed.

• Inspiring Inspiration: Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., professor of Neurobiology & Ophthalmology at Stanford University Medicine, on the science of gratitude

• Readers are Leaders: Links from Harvard Business Review, Psychology Today, Society for Human Resource Management & International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans

Studies Show…

Something my wife and I have discussing recently with our 4 year old daughter is the idea of gratitude, being grateful. We both remember our parents using the old “there are starving kids in the world so be grateful for your meal” style of gratitude education from our youth. While that kind of thing is frowned upon today in the new age of “gentle parenting” and the like, the concept of being grateful for all that we have is alive and well. And a recent study out of the Einstein Journal in Brazil showed that practicing gratitude can have a significant impact on our mental health and wellbeing, so there are actual benefits from being grateful.

The study found that people who practice gratitude experience a greater sense of satisfaction with life, better mental health, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study also found that practicing gratitude can lead to more positive emotions and moods, greater appreciation and optimism, more prosocial behavior, less worry, and less psychological pain. Sign me up for all of that!

Notice I used the word “practice” above. That was intentional, because so is being grateful. Gratitude isn’t something that just happens. You have to work at being grateful. Some of the more popular things you’ll read when searching for how to “practice gratitude” are keeping a gratitude journal. I’m not much for journaling (he said while writing a newsletter), so for me I prefer other methods. One thing we are planning to do as a family this school year is volunteer at a local food pantry.

What do you do, whether in your role in Benefits/HR/Rewards or in your personal life, to practice gratitude? Reply to this email or comment below.

Inspiring Inspiration

Listen to a podcast episode from Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., professor of Neurobiology & Ophthalmology at Stanford University Medicine, on the science of gratitude and the significant impact it has on mental and physical wellbeing:

Readers are Leaders

• Harvard Business Review: How to Write a Meaningful Thank You Note

• Psychology Today: When Our Shadow Side Emerges, Gratitude May Help

• Society for Human Resource Management: Mending Fences

• International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans: Workplace Mental Health Toolkit

What did you think of this edition?

Hit reply and let me know what you liked, didn’t like or what you want to hear more about. I read all your emails and comments.

Thanks and have a great week of wellbeing!

These comments are my own, not those of my employer.