HealthyLife Articles

Tag: gratitude

Attitude Of Gratitude

WELL-BEING

Grateful people aren’t just kinder people, according to University of Kentucky psychology professor Nathan DeWall. They are also less aggressive. Giving thanks lowers daily aggression, hurt feelings, and overall sensitivity.

“If you count your blessings, you’re more likely to empathize with other people,” he said. Gratitude motivates people to express sensitivity and concern for others and stimulates pro-social behavior, according to DeWall.

The study, in Social Psychological and Personality Science, links gratitude to “a nonviolent heart,” with those less inclined to aggression.

“We know that grateful people are nice people,” said DeWall. “But this is the first study to really show that they’re not very aggressive either.”

An activity as basic as writing a letter or mentally counting your blessings can be enough to decrease aggression.

“Take a step back, and look at what you’ve got,” said DeWall. “Don’t spend every waking moment being grateful, but one time a week definitely increases your well-being over time.”

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Unexpected Ways To Be Happy (And Healthy)

WELL-BEING

*It’s easy being green.Make vegetables a central part of your diet. Dark green foods provide essential vitamins and nutrients to your body that protect you from many of life’s worst diseases. The FDA recommends 3 to 5 servings a day for pristine health. This is not as hard to accomplish as it sounds. Examples of one serving include 2 broccoli spears, 3 tablespoons of green beans, or 3 sticks of celery.

*Brush your teeth.Brushing and flossing your teeth not only prevents tooth decay but gum disease, which has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. Healthy gums are one more way to keep that heart pumping strong.

*Hear ye, hear ye!Pick up your local newspaper once in a while. There is more information out there than you can imagine. Sift through the bounty of news because when it comes to your health and health care, no one is more responsible than you are. Take time to understand what’s going on in the world.

*Be a small fry.Order smaller portions. Even the small fries at fast food drive-throughs.

*Give yourself a break.Not only are vacations an important part of maintaining your sanity, but there are many other positives about getting away. Studies have shown that employees come back to work post-vacation more creative and more productive.

*Scrub a dub dub.The easiest way to avoid infectious diseases-a common cold, the flu-is by washing your hands often.

*Then lend a hand.A study at Vanderbilt University found that volunteer work was good for both mental and physical health. People of all ages who volunteered were happier and had better physical health and less depression. Think about something you like to do in your spare time and find a match atwww.volunteermatch.org.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Wellness Gifts

FAMILY LIFE

Give presents that promote a healthy lifestyle. Keep health in mind when making your list and checking it twice.

Ask for or give “Gift of Time Coupons” for shoveling snow, cooking a healthy meal, cleaning the house, and doing other active household chores throughout the year.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026