The article discusses the complexities of practicing gratitude amidst stress and negativity bias. Despite overwhelming evidence of gratitude's benefits—including improved well-being and relations—the challenge lies in recognizing positive aspects of life during turbulent times. The author, a social psychologist, highlights that cultivating gratitude requires conscious effort, particularly in a society preoccupied with negative stimuli. Strategies are suggested for appreciating moments of kindness and support from others, reinforcing the idea that gratitude fosters resilience and enhances overall happiness.
At the best of times, awareness of the positive may require more effort than noticing the negative, let alone in times of heightened distress.
Gratitude is experienced as a positive emotion. It results from noticing that others... have provided assistance or given something of value.
This disparity is so potent that it's called the negativity bias. Researchers argue that this is an evolutionary adaptation.
Gratitude doesn't always come easily; negative information captures attention more readily than the positive.
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