Scientific Thankfulness.

I remember being in the hospital a few weeks ago, in pain, not knowing what was going on in my body or how long I would be there.  I remember the long nights.  Just me, my roomie, and nurses quietly buzzing around in the hallway.  I remember being tempted to be scared for the future.  And I remember thinking that I had to INTENTIONALLY be thankful!! 

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I could actually feel my pain going away when I was grateful and praised God out loud.  Some people may think I am a lunatic, but I did talk out loud, by myself, in the hospital, thanking and praising God.  It often ended in tears of thankfulness because I could feel God's love and I could FEEL the pain leaving my body. 

AND NOW... I found scientific proof!! 

Dr. Oz did a show today on the benefits of gratefulness.  Awesome findings in their studies!!  And he is not the only one that is teaching about the benefits of being thankful!  Check THIS out!

Scientists have proven that people who are thankful on a regular basis benefit in these ways:

1. Smoother and coherent heart rhythms.
2. Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Stronger immune system.
4. Higher sense of attentiveness, alertness and energy.
5. Less physical pain.
6. Longer more restful sleep.
7. Better able to handle stressful situations.
8. Healthier relationships with others.
9. Better physical fitness.
10. Fewer feelings of sadness and depression

How FUN is that??!!  To feel better, all you have to do is be thankful.  But NOT always easy.  When we are having super crappy days, it's a LOT of work to be thankful.  But it always makes us feel better.

 

And chronic thankfulness leads to super awesomeness!!