Why Gratitude Is Good for Your Health

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Why Gratitude Is Good for Your Health

Are you always looking for small ways to become a happier, healthier person? One
simple to add lifestyle change can help: practicing gratitude.

Being thankful can have a positive effect on your mental and physical health. It can
lead to more intimate, connected relationships; less depression; more motivation and
engagement; and improved mental well-being.

Let’s look at why gratitude is good for your health and how you can incorporate it in
small ways into your everyday life.

Remembering How Gratitude Benefits Your Life

People who regularly practice gratitude tend to notice all the good stuff. And, as we
do this we see improvements in our mental and physical health. Our improved
outlook on life means less time experiencing aches and pains and doctor visits.
Science shows us that when we are in gratitude we get a rush of dopamine, and this
flood of positive hormones is super rejuvenating to our bodies.

Appreciating all the small things that are good can lessen the effects of negative
feelings such as frustration, envy, and regret on your mood and overall health.

Gratitude can improve your relationships, too.

Let’s face it, most people are more attracted to those who have positive energy than
to those who bare the burden of their own negativity. When we put out positivity it
makes it easier to get along with, talk to, and maintain relationships with other
people.

And if you’re thankful for the people around you, the people around you will likely be
thankful for you as you create a healthy mirror of your affection. This mutual
appreciation can lead to healthier, longer-lasting connections. When you’re infused
with gratitude, it’s less likely that you will be consumed with other more negative
emotions that can permeate your relationships with toxicity.

There’s one more major reason why gratitude is good for your health: it can help you
sleep better at night. That’s right; if you have a hard time sleeping, start listing the
things you’re thankful for before bed. Gratitude can diminish anxiety and stressful
feelings, which will keep you from tossing, turning, or waking up during the night.

Small Ways To Incorporate Gratitude into Your Life

You can incorporate gratitude into your everyday life in numerous ways.

    1. To start off, try listing three things you’re grateful for on a daily basis. It could be your family, your pets, your job, or even something minor, such as your favorite kind of coffee. You can do this in the morning, at dinner, or right before you go to bed.
    2. You can also do simpler things such as writing thank-you notes, keeping a gratitude journal, giving out compliments, praying, or meditating.
    3. You can show gratitude for the people in your life through bigger gestures, too.
    4. Volunteering for an organization, your work, or people you know can make a big difference on not just your life but also the lives of the people you’re helping. If you want to help someone close to you, volunteer to help with big tasks, such as searching for a new house, cleaning out their shed, planting their garden, or preparing a big pitch for work.
    5. Giving people a nice, thoughtful gift is another way to show your appreciation. These gifts don’t have to be big, and they don’t have to be reserved for special occasions, either. If your friend’s favorite pen just broke, getting them a new one will show you care. Has your mom been feeling down? Cheer her up with a surprise bouquet of flowers.

Of course, these aren’t all the ways you can incorporate gratitude into your life. It’s
important to experiment with different ways of showing thanks and find the ways that
work for you. As your attitude of gratitude rises, and you practice small ways to be
grateful, you will be on your way living your most vibrant life.