Scientists have started to check the relation between religion and good mental and physical health. The psychologists Dr. Michael McCollough, of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Robert Emmons, of the University of California at Davis, found that the key factor for that was the feeling of gratitude, which is encouraged by all major religions.
In their research they took three groups of people. One group had to log down the events they have experienced during the day, the other group logged their unpleasant experiences of the day and the last group logged what they were grateful off in their day.
It turned out that the people from the third group were more determent, energetic, alert and optimist. They were also less depressed or stressed and were more willing to help others. They also tend to exercise more regularly and were more goal achievers.
The results of this study show that the benefits of physical and mental health due to gratitude are independent to religion. McCollough suggests that in order to increase your well being and create a positive social affect you should simply be grateful.
I think i'll try this method! As of today I will list, every night before I go to bed, the things I am grateful for. That can be a pleasant way to end a long day. But one can decide to do it every morning and start the day positively. In fact, you can do it morning and evening. It won’t harm, that’s for sure.
To read more about the research go to http://www.acfnewsource.org/religion/gratitude_theory.html
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