Thankfulness: It turns out it’s good for your health

CNN — Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Those who have “dispositional gratitude” – defined by one study as “part of a wider life orientation towards noticing and appreciating the positive in the world” – are more likely to report good physical health, a propensity for healthy activities and willingness to seek help for health concerns. In another study, New York teenagers who rated as the most grateful in their class – defined by “having a disposition and moods that enabled them to respond positively to the good people and things in their lives” — were less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. It’s hard to get annoyed by someone when you think, “I’m so often grateful for that person.” Roses, Thorns & Buds is quite simple: In our family we did this exercise over family dinners. Granted, “thorns” don’t necessarily increase gratitude — though it’s still useful from a family discussion, empathy and problem-solving perspective.