According to Dr. Robert Emmons, a University of California professor and author of Thanks! How The New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, ”Without gratitude, life can be lonely, depressing and impoverished. Gratitude enriches human life. It elevates, energizes, inspires and transforms, and those who practice it will experience significant improvements in several areas of life including relationships, academics, energy level and even dealing with tragedy and crisis.”

Unfortunately, despite the proof that practicing gratitude is good for us, many people neglect to be gracious.

In case you aren’t aware of the benefits of practicing gratitude, consider this.

Gratitude helps you build more relationships and foster the ones you already have. It has the ability to improve physical health, and it improves your psychological health as well. You tend to be more empathetic and less aggressive, and chances are, you’ll sleep better, too. Gratitude towards others builds your own self-esteem and increases your mental strength.

Here are three things you can start doing to practice gratitude:

Start a Gratitude Journal

Write down what you are thankful for on a daily or weekly basis.

Say “Thank You”

Whether you received a small or big favor, gratitude is seeing beyond the amount or size of the gift or favor you’v received.

Find Someone to Compliment

You can choose to do this every day or on a weekly basis.

Deciding to practice gratitude is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your own well-being. It will help you make more positive choices, feel empowered, take better care of yourself, and to adopt a “can-do” attitude.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am for all of my family, friends, and clients. I wish you all a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2018.