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Expressing gratitude seems like such a simple concept, but it has real scientific significance behind it. Gratitude has been linked to a variety of positive changes in people’s lives, and it is a wonderfully beneficial practice to implement in your daily life.
Expressing gratitude seems like such a simple concept, but it has real scientific significance behind it. Gratitude has been linked to a variety of positive changes in people’s lives, and it is a wonderfully beneficial practice to implement in your daily life. It can be as easy as writing down a few things you're grateful for each day or writing a letter of gratitude to someone special in your life every few weeks. Taking these steps can improve your mindset and help you live a more joyful and fulfilling life.
Gratitude Can Improve Psychological Health
Taking time to remember the things you are grateful for and expressing your gratitude improves psychological well-being. This is particularly important when times are tough, and it is all too easy to settle into a pattern of only noticing the things around us that make us unhappy. Practicing self-compassion and gratitude toward others reminds us to see the whole picture rather than only focusing on one part.
Gratitude Can Improve Physical Health
Yes, you read that right. According to a study published in Personality and Individual Differences in 2012, people who describe themselves as grateful experience fewer aches and pains. In fact, they actually reported feeling healthier overall. They exercised more and paid better attention to health ailments. In a sense, expressing gratitude may be linked to a longer, healthier life.
Gratitude Can Increase Empathy
People who express gratitude are more likely to respond positively to people, even if they are being treated unkindly. A study conducted by the University of Kentucky found that people who practice gratitude were less likely to retaliate when mistreated and less likely to seek revenge. Gratitude can increase our compassion--both toward ourselves and others.
Gratitude Can Improve Your Sleep
Gratitude is related to a greater sense of calm and equanimity making it the perfect practice to employ prior to falling asleep. Studies show that expressing gratitude before bed can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed. Give it a try by jotting down three to four things you are grateful for before bed.
Gratitude Can Improve Self Value
Many studies have shown that gratitude can help decrease unhealthy competition between people and the habit of determining your value by comparing yourself to others.. Expressing gratitude can actually make you appreciate other people’s accomplishments, reducing feelings of inadequacy that can sometimes result in lower self esteem. Centering ourselves in gratitude has the effect of helping us recognize the fundamental value of all people in the world, including ourselves!
