Show HN: Three Things Daily – Make gratitude a daily habit

Post by crystalcamarao » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 9:58 PM UTC

yboris wrote: post #72

crystalcamarao wrote: post #2

Hi, Do you want to become better at being grateful? I built a simple site where you can list 3 things you’re grateful for that day. Research shows that being grateful makes you happier and healthier. I want to help people be more grateful, especially people who are depressed. I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks!

I also like that it's 3 rather than "list 10". There's some research on this: when people try 3, it's rather easy to succeed. If they try 10, they might find it hard, and if they run out of "good" things to list before finishing, they may erroneously conclude they have it pretty bad. Psychology is rather funny - good to study it empirically! I'm so thankful there are so many Ph.D. researchers who take it seriously an…

Post by crystalcamarao » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 10:01 PM UTC

wunderflix wrote: post #50

king_magic wrote: post #31

Research shows that if you list at least three things you’re grateful for everyday, you will significantly improve your mental health. Does it really , or does this line just sound good? If you're going to make a claim like this, you should probably link to peer-reviewed research that backs this up.

I am a bit skeptic when it comes to these things. But, I have been doing a 1 min "prayer" every day while taking a shower in the morning. I remind myself how well I am off compared to many people and what a great family I have etc. It has really helped me to start the day with a calmer mind.

Post by crystalcamarao » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 10:02 PM UTC

kilroy123 wrote: post #67

king_magic wrote: post #31

Research shows that if you list at least three things you’re grateful for everyday, you will significantly improve your mental health. Does it really , or does this line just sound good? If you're going to make a claim like this, you should probably link to peer-reviewed research that backs this up.

Mandatory, this is anecdotal... I do this every morning when I wake up and have for a good year or so. I honestly don't notice much of a difference.

Post by crystalcamarao » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 10:04 PM UTC

BeetleB wrote: post #53

gkilmain wrote: post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I hear what you're saying but ... have you tried it? Seems like a simple enough exercise. Heck, maybe I'll try it.

I have, and I disagree. Maybe it's because my outlook is generally one of being grateful, so I may have already received the benefits without this exercise. In any case, I'd be wary of any claims like this unless someone tries it for at least 6 months . I expect initially one will get benefits but after N months it fizzles away.

Post by crystalcamarao » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 10:04 PM UTC

krrrh wrote: post #57

gkilmain wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm going to give it a go with the old pencil / paper. Hopefully, if it works and then fizzles away, it'll fizzle because i've gained the benefit. Six months tho - might be tough.

I've tried it a few times when I've been in periods of relative depression, either with the paper 5 minute journal or with the app of the same name. The habit lasts for a week and then fades away as I start to get engaged in life gain. Maybe that would have happened without the journaling, but it's such a low cost exercise and it feels like it makes a difference.