“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson

Stronger relationships, better sleep, improved self-esteem, more resilience, enhanced empathy, reduced aggression, fewer toxic emotions—these are just a few of the scientifically proven benefits of gratitude.

As leading gratitude researcher Dr. Robert A. Emmons found through several studies about the connection between gratitude and well-being, gratitude reduces envy, resentment, frustration and regret. The flip side, of course, is that gratitude boosts happiness, turning what we have into enough.

A 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being revealed that writing in a gratitude journal 15 minutes before bed can help people sleep better and longer. In turn, better sleep produces its own host of benefits, including less stress, reduced inflammation and better physical health, improved alertness and memory, and the possibility of reduced risk of depression.

Sunday Journal Prompt

Who and what are you grateful for?