REASON 08 OF 10

Grateful people feel better and move more.

Noting what you are thankful for each week brings more optimism, more exercise and fewer aches.

What the researchers did

Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough asked students to write a short list once a week for ten weeks. One group noted up to five things they were grateful for, a second group noted five hassles, and a third simply noted five events that had affected them.

What they found

The gratitude group felt better about their lives as a whole and more optimistic about the week ahead. They also reported fewer physical complaints and spent more time exercising than the hassles group.

What it means on G-Day

G-Day can be the first page of a small habit. Once a week after 10 October, take two minutes to note a few things you are thankful for, starting with the ten people you thanked.