Gratitude is a feeling of happiness and appreciation for what you have. Gratitude is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Here are some of the benefits of gratitude:
1. Gratitude makes you happier: A study by the University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people who regularly practiced gratitude reported being 6.4% happier than those who didn’t.
2. Gratitude improves your mental and physical health: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who reported practicing gratitude had a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
3. Gratitude heals relationships: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that gratitude improved the emotional states of both the giver and the receiver of gratitude. In addition, the study participants who reported the highest levels of gratitude also reported the lowest levels of conflict and negative emotions.
4. Gratitude decreases stress and anxiety: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that gratitude reduces stress and anxiety levels by improving self-esteem and self-compassion.
5. Gratitude enhances your cognitive performance: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that gratitude improved cognitive performance, including working memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility.
6. Gratitude decreases rumination: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that gratitude decreases rumination, which is a tendency to focus on negative thoughts and images repeatedly.
7. Gratitude reduces stress-related body weight gain: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that gratitude reduces stress-related body weight gain by reducing stress hormone levels.
8. Gratitude increases social connectedness: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that gratitude increases social connectedness by increasing oxytocin levels, a hormone promoting social affiliation and trust. In addition, the study participants who reported the highest levels of gratitude also reported the lowest levels of conflict and negative emotions.
9. Gratitude reduces negative thinking: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that gratitude reduces negative thinking by reducing rumination and increasing positive thinking.
10. Gratitude leads to sustainable changes: A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that gratitude led to sustainable changes, such as increased motivation, optimism, and satisfaction with life. In addition, the study participants who reported the highest levels of gratitude also reported the lowest levels of stress and anxiety.
