An Attitude of Gratitude!
Nov 16, 2023Be Grateful: It will Increase Your Happiness
Gratitude is a powerful and often underestimated emotion. It's the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for the positive things in your life.
Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you already possess and the good things already around you. Research shows when you regularly count your blessings, no matter how small they may seem, your perspective changes. You begin to see the many blessings hiding in the ordinary and find joy in the everyday moments.
There are many positive benefits to Being Grateful
Practicing gratitude is linked to enhanced mental health. Gratitude has been found to lower stress levels. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life, can be a buffer against stress and its adverse effects on mental well-being.
Individuals who practice gratitude also experience better physical health. Lower stress levels, improved sleep, and a boosted immune system are all associated with a grateful outlook.
Gratitude activates specific regions of the brain. When you feel grateful, your brain releases feel-good neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which contribute to a feeling of well-being.
When you appreciate the good things, especially during challenging times, this practice fosters emotional resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
Incorporating Gratitude into Your Life
Incorporating gratitude into your daily life is easy. Here are some ideas:
Keep a Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to write down things you are thankful for. These can be big or small, personal or external.
Express Thanks: Don't hesitate to express your gratitude to others. A heartfelt "thank you" can go a long way in nurturing relationships.
Shift Your Focus: Instead of dwelling on what's missing, pay attention to the abundance of what you already possess.
Happiness and gratitude are closely intertwined. When you practice gratitude, you shift your focus from what's missing in your life to recognizing the abundance in your life. This shift in perspective leads to increased happiness, improved well-being and overall quality of life.
I challenge you to Be Grateful!
Kelly Summers, is a Master Herbalist & Natural Healing Guide®. She knows that knowledge is empowering and deeply desires to share the insights she has learned through her continued journey of learning.
References
Emmons, Robert A., and Anjali Mishra. "Why gratitude enhances well-being: What we know, what we need to know." Designing positive psychology: Taking stock and moving forward 248 (2011): 262.
Emmons, Robert A. Thanks!: How the new science of gratitude can make you happier. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007.
McAdams, Dan P., and Jack J. Bauer. "Gratitude in modern life: Its manifestations and development." The psychology of gratitude (2004): 81-99.
Sansone, Randy A., and Lori A. Sansone. "Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation." Psychiatry (edgmont) 7.11 (2010): 18.
Toepfer, Steven M., Kelly Cichy, and Patti Peters. "Letters of gratitude: Further evidence for author benefits." Journal of Happiness Studies 13 (2012): 187-201.
Watkins, Philip Charles, R. A. Emmons, and M. E. McCullough. "Gratitude and subjective well-being." Scientific concepts behind happiness, kindness, and empathy in contemporary society (2004): 167-192.
Watkins, Philip C., et al. "Gratitude and happiness: Development of a measure of gratitude, and relationships with subjective well-being." Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal 31.5 (2003): 431-451.
