When it comes to the science of gratitude, there are a few critical points that researchers have discovered as lifelong benefits:
Gratitude Can Make You Happier
A study published by Berkeley Education found that people who practice gratitude daily are happier than those who don't. Researchers believe this is because grateful people focus on the positive aspects of their lives, which in turn creates a more optimistic outlook.
Based on this research, if you want to be happier in life, start by expressing gratitude more often!
Struggling for ways to be more grateful?
Try these ideas:
- Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you're thankful for each day
- Write thank-you notes to people who have done something kind for you
- Focus on the positive aspects of your life during difficult times
Gratitude Can Give You More Energy
If being full of gratitude is second nature to you, you also have a lot of energy. That's because feeling thankful requires minimal effort, giving you more pep in your step to take on the day.
It is also a common trait among grateful people to have a "growth mindset." They believe their abilities and intelligence can be developed through experience and effort. As a result, they're always striving to improve themselves, which requires a lot of energy.
In one study, participants who wrote about gratitude experienced improvements in feeling happy and therefore experienced fewer fatigue symptoms and had more energy than those who didn’t.
Gratitude Can Make You More Resilient
Grateful people are more likely to have what psychologists call “post-traumatic growth.” This means that after experiencing a traumatic event, they don’t just return to their previous level of functioning – they become stronger and more resilient.
As a result, they grow more from their hardships and are better equipped to handle future challenges.
Another benefit is protection from burnout. This is likely because gratitude helps people reframe their work in a more positive light and appreciate the good they're doing, rather than getting bogged down by the negative.
One study found that more grateful people had an easier time bouncing back after experiencing a traumatic event. They also experienced less anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms of stress.
Gratitude Can Build Stronger Relationships
Grateful people tend to have more robust and more satisfying relationships than those who don't express gratitude. Researchers believe this is because gratitude helps people focus on the positive aspects of their relationships and appreciate their loved ones more.
In addition, a lot of people feel supported and appreciated when their loved ones express gratitude. As a result, they’re more likely to reciprocate these feelings and go out of their way to help.
Moreover, people thrive on feeling valued and appreciated. When you express gratitude, you’re essentially sending the message that you value and appreciate your relationship with the other person.
Gratitude Can Boost Motivation And Performance
More grateful people are also more likely to be motivated and perform better at their jobs.
This is because gratitude helps people see the value in what they do and feel more positive about their work. In turn, this can lead to increased effort and improved performance.
What's more, gratitude can help people overcome challenges and setbacks. For instance, if you're feeling overwhelmed by a project at work, taking a moment to appreciate what you have accomplished so far can give you the motivation to keep going.
Finally, gratitude can also foster a sense of belonging and connectedness. When we feel appreciated, we’re more likely to feel like we’re part of a team or community. As a result, we’re more likely to cooperate and work together for the common good.
Gratitude Can Build Character
Gratitude has also been linked with several positive character traits, such as humility, self-control, and wisdom.
For instance, grateful people tend to be more humble. They’re less likely to boast about their accomplishments or feel entitled to things.
What's more, gratitude can help people exercise self-control. For instance, grateful people are less likely to resist temptation or act impulsively.
Finally, gratitude has been linked with wisdom. This is because grateful people tend to be more reflective and better understand their world.
Gratitude Can Improve Physical Health
Gratitude has also been linked with several physical health benefits.
For instance, gratitude has been shown to reduce stress and improve immunity. Additionally, gratitude has been linked to better sleep and lower blood pressure.
Moreover, grateful people tend to take better care of their bodies. They're more likely to exercise and eat healthy foods.
Gratitude Can Enhance Well-Being
In general, gratitude has been linked with several positive outcomes.
For instance, grateful people are more satisfied with their lives and have a higher sense of well-being. Additionally, gratitude has been linked with increased levels of optimism and happiness.
Feeling grateful and well-being are also linked with several physical health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and improved immunity.
Tips for Expressing Gratitude
If you’re not used to expressing gratitude, it can be helpful to start with small gestures. For instance, you could write a thank-you note to someone who has done something nice for you.
You could also try keeping a gratitude journal. Then, take a few minutes to write down things you're grateful for every day. This can help you focus on your life's positive aspects and build a gratitude habit.
Finally, try to express gratitude in your everyday interactions with others. For example, when someone does something nice for you, could you take a moment to thank them? You could also try complimenting people more often or expressing appreciation for things you usually take for granted, such as a beautiful sunset or a delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on our lives. So now is the perfect time to start if you're not already incorporating gratitude into your life.
Expressing gratitude doesn't have to be complicated. Simply taking a few moments each day to appreciate the good things in your life can make a difference.
