There are just a few days left until next Thanksgiving. This holiday is a lovely occasion to gather with our loved ones and celebrate gratitude.
However, honouring the blessings we have received in our life is not something we should only do on Thanksgiving. In this article, we want to delve deeper into the positive effects of practising gratitude on a daily basis.
WHAT IS GRATITUDE?
According to the leading gratitude researcher Robert Emmons expressing gratitude consists of two components. On the one hand, we acknowledge the good things we have already received. On the other hand, we affirm that other people and higher powers have helped us achieve the goodness in our lives.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SINCERE GRATITUDE?
Saying sincere words of gratitude activates brain areas responsible for feeling relief, demonstrating empathy and understanding other people’s perspectives. This is what makes researchers believe that being grateful for life can have long-term positive effects on our psychological health.
Emmons has also found out that gratitude can reduce depression and open the door to happiness. Other benefits of practising gratitude include improvement in self-esteem and an increase in mental strength.
Grateful people are more likely to appreciate other people’s achievements instead of falling prey to social comparisons. On top of that, gratitude can foster resilience during and after traumatic events like wars and terrorist attacks.
Sincere gratitude can be a gateway to more relationships of high quality. After all, each and every human on this planet has the need to feel appreciated and significant. Therefore, showing appreciation and acknowledging other people’s contributions can help you win new friends and attract valuable opportunities.
Last, but not least, we should not forget that psychological health is related to physical health. That is why it is important to keep in mind the positive effects of gratitude on our physical well-being. Grateful people tend to have healthier lifestyles. They exercise more often, sleep better and take better care of themselves.
HOW TO PRACTICE BEING GRATEFUL?
There are various ways in which you can practice gratitude. Since we are creatures of habit, we would recommend that initially, you create some evening or morning gratitude rituals.
For instance, you can start a gratitude journal. To do so, write down some things you are grateful for, as well as why you are grateful for them.
You can also set aside the first 15 min in the morning and the last 15 min in the evening. When you wake up, do not get up until you find 3 reasons why you are grateful for life. And when you go to bed, think of at least 3 blessings you received that day.
When people spend a lot of time together, they start taking each other for granted. Therefore, it can be helpful to consciously say words of gratitude to others on a daily basis.
Do not forget to also look for reasons why you are grateful to yourself, as well. This is the easiest way to charge yourself with the energy you will need to accomplish your wildest dreams.
Thank you for being you and may your life be full of joy, gratitude, abundance and health.
