Gratitude has the power to impact not just your mental well-being, but your physical health as well. By choosing to perceive events in your life more positively, you’ll end up creating an environment where gratitude can flourish. The benefits of gratitude are far-reaching and can be seen in almost every aspect of your life. Let’s dive into the top 7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude.
Gratitude improves physical health
Gratitude has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, better heart health, optimal cholesterol levels, and improved sleep. According to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences, those who are more grateful experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier overall. Gratitude has also been shown to lower inflammation and improve heart rate variability in patients with Stage B Heart Failure.
Gratitude improves psychological health
Gratitude is a powerful tool for reducing the lifetime risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. It also acts as a key resiliency factor in the prevention of suicide. By fostering feelings of gratitude, you reduce toxic emotions such as envy, resentment, frustration, and regret. In turn, this promotes positive emotions like enthusiasm and inspiration, which are crucial for living long, healthy, and happy lives.
A 2012 study at the University of Kentucky found that grateful people are more likely to behave in a pro-social manner, even when others behave less kindly. They also demonstrated more sensitivity and empathy towards others, with a decreased desire to seek revenge.
Grateful people sleep better
Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spending just 10 minutes before bed jotting down a few grateful sentiments can lead to better, longer sleep.
Gratitude improves self-esteem
A 2014 study published in the _Journal of Applied Sport Psychology _found that gratitude increased athletes’ self-esteem, which is essential for optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons, allowing grateful people to appreciate others’ accomplishments without resentment or negatively affecting their self-esteem.
Gratitude improves sexual fulfillment
Research by Dr. Amie Gordon suggests that couples who express gratitude are more committed, responsive, and likely to stay together. This in turn leads to a more fulfilling sex life in long-term, committed relationships. A 2015 study published in the journal Personal Relationships found that gratitude triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” and that a spouse’s expression of gratitude was the “most consistent significant predictor” of a happy marriage.
Gratitude enhances short-term memory
Negative thoughts can hinder short-term memory, but gratitude has been shown to improve cognitive function and mental focus. By replacing negative thoughts with thoughts and gestures of gratitude, you can create an uncluttered mind that functions at a higher level, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Gratitude can increase your wealth
Gratitude increases happiness, which in turn, can positively impact earnings. Studies have shown that adolescents who reported higher levels of happiness went on to earn more as adults. Managers who express gratitude towards their employees experience increased output and effort. In the restaurant industry, research shows that customers who are thanked for their generosity return more often and tip more consistently.
By cultivating a mindset of gratitude, you can significantly improve your overall well-being, both mentally and physically. It’s never too late to start practicing gratitude – try implementing some of these strategies today and enjoy the transformative power of a grateful attitude.
