It’s far too often, I’d have to admit, that I completely forget to be grateful. Et tu?

When I do remember to count a blessing or two, it's like exercising after a long procrastination––sheer, virtuous relief from self-induced suffering. So I was encouraged to discover––on the cusp of gratitude's big day in the relatively new field of “positive psychology,” researchers are studying the myriad balms of thankfulness. In The Psychology of Gratitude (Oxford University Press), a book released last year, Dr. Michael McCullough, of University of Miami and Dr. Robert Emmons, of the University of California at Davis, show how indulging in regular, deliberate appreciation improves just about everything. By having their human testers participate in “gratitude intervention,” keeping weekly or daily gratitude journals or lists and practicing self-guided exercises––the scientists discovered their subjects slept better, exercised more, increased positive emotions, had more rhythmic heartbeats, progressed toward personal goals more quickly, helped others more often, and were less materialistic. This was all regardless of any sort of religious faith.

So I dug into my drawer, found an unused “Thank You” card (ahem) and stuck in on the board over my desk. Now I think my cardiac function––not to mention my cranky brain––is already strumming a little more clearly.