Stress is one of the great challenges for our society. One of the ways to counter stress is to cultivate well-being. The Greater Good Science Center from University of California, Berkeley is a wonderful source of information on the research behind emotional well-being.

One easy way to increase our well-being (and that of our children) is to make gratitude a daily habit. This is something we can teach in school and at home. It is easy enough to do, and it has an immediate positive effect, like a good cup of coffee/tea, or a workout! However, does gratefulness really improve our immune system, or is it a by-product of gratefulness that works?

Note: Well-being research is not intended as a substitution for therapy and medication for depression, anxiety, etc. It is not a cure, it is a way towards enhancing emotional health.