For many, the holiday season is a time to reflect on what they’re grateful for: good health, family and friends, career accomplishments.
Cornell social psychologist Tom Gilovich, director of the Judgment and Belief Lab and co-author of “The Wisest One in the Room,” suggests adding one more item to that list: the very capacity to experience gratitude, the benefits of which extend far beyond personal happiness.
Gilovich says: “Gratitude has been shown to have many benefits: grateful people are happier, less envious, sleep better, more resilient when facing trauma, and need fewer visits to the doctor. The benefits of gratitude, furthermore, extend to those who cross paths with grateful individuals, as grateful individuals are more generous to others.
“Although some have expressed a concern that feeling grateful might make people feel satisfied and therefore complacent about pressing societal problems, research conducted at Cornell University shows that that concern is misplaced. Grateful people are more likely to volunteer their time at civic and religious organizations, donate money to charity, and participate in blood drives. Gratitude not only makes you feel good, but it helps you live up to your best self and be a better member of society."
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