Yes, “thank you” is an essential, everyday part of family dinners, trips to the store, business deals, and political negotiations. That might be why so many people have dismissed gratitude as simple, obvious, and unworthy of serious attention.

• However, they’re finding that people who practice gratitude consistently report a host of benefits:
• Stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure;
• Higher levels of positive emotions;
• More joy, optimism, and happiness;
• Acting with more generosity and compassion;
• Feeling less lonely and isolated.

What to know more about the science and practice of gratitude? Please see these Greater Good resources? Read on…

Greater Good:

What to know more about the science and practice of gratitude? Please see these Greater Good resources:

• Gratitude definition page: The What, Why, and How of gratitude
• “Pay It Forward,” by Robert A. Emmons
• “Why Gratitude is Good,” by Robert A. Emmons
• “Ten Ways to Become More Grateful,” by Robert A. Emmons
• Pieces on gratitude from Christine Carter’s parenting blog, Raising Happiness
• “Love, Honor, and Thank,” by Jess Alberts and Angela Trethewey
• “Stumbling Toward Gratitude,” by Catherine Price
• Key gratitude books, studies, and organizations.
• And take this gratitude quiz to learn how grateful you are!

Contact Information

Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude
Greater Good Science Center
University of California, Berkeley, MC 6070
Berkeley, CA 94720-6070
510.642.2490
Gratitude@Berkeley.edu
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/expandinggratitude