Benefits of Gratitude
Being grateful raises vibration and lifts the spirit. Expressing gratitude is a way to appreciate what you have instead of what you lack. It helps you to refocus, to feel more positive emotions and to grow your mental state stronger. Giving thanks makes you acknowledge the goodness in your life and helps you to connect to something larger than yourself— whether to other people, nature, or a higher power. In different psychology research, gratitude is associated with greater happiness and different scientifically proven benefits. Focusing on all that you have is one of the simplest ways to improve your satisfaction with life.
Expressing gratitude has many proven benefits*:
Improved physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health. They exercise more often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups, which is likely to contribute to further longevity.
Improved psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
Enhanced empathy and reduced aggression. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less kindly. People who rank higher on gratitude scales are less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experience more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a decreased desire to seek revenge.
Better sleep. Writing in a gratitude journal also improves sleep. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you most likely sleep better and longer.
Improved self-esteem. Gratitude reduces social comparisons and increases self-esteem. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.
Increased mental strength. Showing gratitude not only reduces stress, but it can also play a role in overcoming trauma. Recognizing all that you have to be thankful for —even during the worst times—fosters resilience.
Get new friends. Not only does saying “thank you” constitute good manners but showing appreciation can help you win new friends. Whether you thank a stranger for holding the door or send a thank-you note to that colleague who helped you with a project, acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities
*source: forbes.com
