Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for what brings us joy, inspiration, meaning, and purpose. Feelings of appreciation can arise from a wide range of sources. Take the challenge using this week’s blog!

In an overview of studies on happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky found that we control at least 40% of our happiness through our focus and choices (Lyubomirsky, 2013). We now know we can raise our happiness by cultivating positive emotions such as love, kindness, compassion, gratitude, hope, and inspiration. Here are some science-based ways to boost your happiness and well-being.

This is my favorite time of the year. I like everything about it. But what I like most is how everyone is just a little bit more cheery and kind. And there is a sense of anticipation in the air. However, this year I've noticed a difference. We are a lot less kind, maybe even impatient with others. No question, there’s good reason to feel a little sad and disappointed as the pandemic rages. However, we have a lot more control over our level of happiness than we may believe.

This year, weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations were canceled or remarkably subdued. Because of that, it might be tempting to downplay the holiday season like we have with other celebrations this year, especially with surging COVID cases. If you are in that mindset, you might want to rethink that decision. Based on an abundance of evidence, it is even more critical for our mental well-being that we engage in rituals of the holiday season, while observing the limitations needed to keep us safe from the virus.