Gratitude. This simple word packs a big punch. You may have heard "be grateful" as a kid, or "practice an attitude of gratitude." but Why? Why is it important to have a 'grateful heart'?
Cultivating feelings of gratitude can yield drastic and overwhelmingly positive results. Here are the top 3 reasons to make feeling grateful a habit. We'll finish up with 3 helpful activities you can do right now to build your gratitude muscle.
1. Make you Healthier
It's not just the increased H2O from your Stanley tumbler making you healthier. According to the Mayo Clinic, cultivating feelings of appreciation makes you healthier too! Study after study shows that practicing gratitude daily can improve sleep, mood, and boost your body's immunity. The American Heart Association says gratitude can even decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain, and the risk of disease. If gratitude was a pill, it would be selling off the shelves. So, if you want to be the healthiest version of yourself gratitude is the way to go. Keeping a gratitude journal where you jot down things you're thankful for each day is a great way to start.
2. Make you HappierÂ
Gratitude is a natural mood booster. When you feel positive aspects of your life and express appreciation for them, you naturally feel happier and more confident. This is because gratitude stimulates the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness. So, if you want to live your best life, start practicing gratitude today.
3. Improve your RelationshipsÂ
Gratitude has the power to strengthen social bonds and improve relationships. When you express gratitude towards others, whether it's a friend, family member, or coworker, it fosters a sense of connection and appreciation. This, in turn, can lead to more fulfilling and harmonious relationships. Don't be stingy with those likes and comments on social media. But more so, let them know how they improve your life. It'll make you both feel good.
Whether you're having your morning cup of coffee, stuck in traffic, or cooking dinner, incorporating gratitude into your daily routine is easy. Here are 3 tools to use to leverage gratitude to improve your health, become happier, and improve your relationships.
Feel grateful for all your body does for you. Have a daily goal to think of 100 things. You're going to have to get creative. This is a good one for when you find yourself standing in line at the supermarket, stuck in traffic, or in the lobby of your doctor's office. Does smiling to yourself in public give you anxiety? Take out the notes app on your phone and write down your gratitude. Writing amplifies the process anyway!
Think of someone you love. Think of everything you love about that person. Is it the way their eyes twinkle when they smile? Do they make you feel seen and safe? Think about it and let the feelings of gratitude fill you up for a shot of immunity and happiness.
Remind yourself of all the good times in your life thus far. Feel appreciation for that memorable Christmas. Activate the feelings of gratitude from the cruise you went on last year. Your life is mostly good. Enhance the good feelings to be happier and healthier today.
By practicing simple techniques like keeping a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to others, and focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can experience the transformative power of gratitude firsthand. So why wait? Start cultivating a grateful heart today.
Want to foster gratitude for it's many benefits? Check out You Are Beautiful. It's a prompt journal that will help you feel grateful for the amazing, beautiful person you are.
