Thank Your Way to a Happy Heart

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Enhance Your Gratitude Quotient

Philip Watkins, a psychology professor at Eastern Washington State University studying the effects of positive emotions, suggests some easy ways to boost your gratitude quotient.

• Engage in regular reflective times to "count your blessings," particularly those easily taken for granted, such as love from a partner, family, and friends. Then show your gratitude. "One study found that we are less likely to feel grateful for our parents taking us to the airport than a stranger," Watkins says. "This is probably because with those people that provide us faithfully with benefits, we tend to expect these benefits. In this way, we take many of our most valuable and consistent gifts for granted."
• Always try to see life's bright side, especially when it comes to difficult situations.
• Write a heartfelt note telling a friend or relative how much you appreciate him or her and why. Deliver the note in person and read it out loud. You'll both benefit.