It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or drained by life during difficult times. It might be challenging to focus on the positives when negative emotions and thoughts are present. However, practicing gratitude can help lessen these negative feelings.
You’ve probably heard the expression “attitude of gratitude.” It’s an excellent reminder to practice and live a grateful life. However, when we practice being grateful regularly, it affects not only our mental and physical health but also the health of those around us.
What is gratitude?
Saying “thank you” when someone does something kind for you is a common way to show gratitude. However, it’s a more complex idea than only expressing gratefulness.
Gratitude comes from the Latin word gratia, which translates in English as graciousness or grace. Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California defines gratitude in his essay as “a felt sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life.”
Gratitude is simply taking the time to reflect on all the good things in life. It allows individuals to experience more good feelings, enjoy good experiences, improve their quality of life, cope with adversity, and establish good bonds. Practicing gratefulness is known to impact health and well-being. Research reveals that cultivating a regular “attitude of gratitude” offers many benefits.
Why is being grateful important?
1. Increases happiness
People who practice gratitude daily are happier and more mindful of the little things in life. They are less likely to take things for granted and are more likely to find value in the small things that may appear unimportant to others.
And because they may have a more positive outlook on life and believe that everything that happens to them is a blessing, disappointment may not significantly impact their disposition. However, happiness can be increased dramatically by looking at the positive side of things rather than dwelling on what you lack.
2. Improves psychological health
Gratitude lessens negative feelings like jealousy, resentment, frustration, and regret. Renowned researcher Dr. Robert A. Emmons has conducted numerous studies on the relationship between gratefulness and well-being. His findings support the idea that appreciation significantly lowers depression and boosts happiness.
Additionally, gratefulness is a contributing factor to suicidal ideation in anxious and depressed people, according to a study on the impact of gratitude on depression, coping, and suicide. In times of vulnerability, strengthening our thankfulness practice can be helpful. Grateful people are less prone to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
3. Contributes to good physical health
The favorable effects extend to physical health as well. The immune system, blood pressure, heart health, prognosis for cancer, and pain threshold are all improved significantly by gratitude. According to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences, grateful people reported feeling healthier than other people and had fewer aches and pains.
It should come as no surprise that those who feel appreciative are more likely to prioritize their health. They exercise more frequently and are more likely to visit their doctors for regular checkups, both of which are likely to lengthen their lives.
4. Improves social skills
In addition to being polite, expressing a “thank you” can also help you make new friends, according to a 2014 study published in the journal Emotion. According to the survey, expressing gratitude to a new friend increases their desire to maintain the connection.
Furthermore, a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky found that grateful people are more likely to act prosocially, even when others work less kindly. Despite receiving unfavorable criticism, study participants who scored higher on thankfulness ratings were less likely to take revenge. They felt less inclined to want to exact retribution and were more sensitive and empathic toward other individuals.
5. Helps establish strong relationships
Expressing thankfulness to your friends can strengthen your friendships, just as it positively impacts romantic relationships. In addition, people who express gratitude to their friends are more inclined to discuss issues and worries with them and have a more favorable opinion of them.
Gratitude also has a significant impact on romantic relationships. According to a new study, showing your significant others your thankfulness improves the connection. According to a recent study, showing gratitude to your loved ones strengthens the bonds. In addition, the link will improve overall when you express your thankfulness to your loved ones, as it will enhance the moods of both.
Counting blessings
Practicing gratefulness daily can be a beneficial daily habit for your physical, emotional, and social well-being. Everyone is capable of cultivating gratitude. Simply taking a few moments to appreciate everything and developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve satisfaction in life.
To begin a gratitude practice, practice mindfulness, journal writing, or pay close attention to the little things that make you happy. Gratefulness, if practiced regularly, will most likely positively impact your mental health and well-being.
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