Is Too Much Gratitude Harmful? CNN Delves into the Pitfalls of Daily Thankfulness.
While gratitude is often hailed as a cure-all for happiness, CNN’s exploration with researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky reveals a nuanced reality.
Gratitude can indeed boost well-being, but not everyone benefits equally, and some might even suffer adverse effects.
Lyubomirsky, renowned psychology professor and author of “The How of Happiness,” emphasizes that gratitude disrupts “hedonic adaptation,” preventing us from taking positive aspects of life for granted.
However, she warns against overdoing gratitude practices, citing studies showing that excessive interventions can lead to decreased well-being.
Moreover, Lyubomirsky cautions that gratitude exercises may not be suitable for everyone.
In some cases, depressed individuals reported feeling worse after expressing gratitude, possibly exacerbating feelings of shame or burden.
Her advice? Listen to your instincts, pay attention to how a gratitude practice makes you feel, and don’t hesitate to switch things up if it’s not working.
In the pursuit of happiness, remember that gratitude is just one of many strategies, alongside acts of kindness and savoring the moment.
(Source is credited to CNN.)
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/26/health/how-gratitude-practices-work-wellness/index.html