A Simple "Thanks" May Make People More Resilient

Research has shown that experiencing gratitude increases people's ability to deal with adversity, Michael Miller, M.D., editor-in-chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, reported in his publication's November issue. But while gratitude appears to be one key element in building resilience, a particularly relevant one at Thanksgiving time, there are many other ways to become resilient as well, research has demonstrated—for example, not working less, but doing work that you love, believing that you can cope with negative emotions, having a reason for living, religious faith, meditation, exercise, altruism, the ability to form and maintain relationships, and the confidence to steer your own life.

More information about these studies can be found in Psychiatric News here and here.

(Image: JeniFoto/Shutterstock.com)