5 Health Benefits Of Gratitude
Are you feeling grateful for what you have right now? Yes, right now, in this moment? Well, I hope you are! Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have a fantastic effect on your life. It’s also one of the most overlooked benefits of being human. Not just a way to express your appreciation; studies have shown that gratitude can also improve your health.
Why is gratitude important?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that God’s will for you is to be thankful in all circumstances. Our heavenly father is looking for a grateful heart. By practicing gratitude rather than focusing on what you don’t have, you shift your mindset from lack to abundance. So skip the weights and try a little gratitude! Sometimes, feeling grateful may take a little work, but that’s also when it is the most useful. Showing appreciation is a great way to boost positivity in your day.
Why is it hard to be grateful?
Gratitude is a skill. It is not something that we learn overnight. It is something that we practice and develop. We learn to be thankful for our experiences and the people around us.
Thanksgiving is not just a holiday in November, but a value practiced daily. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why people struggle with gratitude. Here are three:
- You forget to look for things to be grateful for. Looking for the loveliness in life can help you feel more connected to the world. Appreciate the people and things around you.
- You forget that everything is temporary——the good and the bad. It would help if you found ways to be grateful for the ups and downs in your life. Nothing lasts forever, and that’s okay.
- You believe you don’t deserve to be happy or feel good about your circumstances. This is a BIG FAT LIE! You deserve good things, and more importantly, God wants you to have his best!
Adopting an attitude of gratitude can benefit your overall health in several ways. Here are five excellent reasons to start feeling grateful today:
1. Improved Self Esteem
A major factor in self-esteem is how we view ourselves concerning the next person, especially someone perceived to have more than we have. There is little room for comparison when you’re grateful for who you are and what you have to offer the world. Instead of being resentful, you can appreciate the success of others because you know that their accomplishments don’t negate your own.
2. Physical Wellness
Those that appreciate what they have are more likely to take care of it; this includes their health. An attitude of gratitude aids in physical wellness because you are less likely to miss regular checkups and avoid doctor visits. “Self-care” seems like more of a catchphrase these days, but it is one great way to celebrate what you already have — an act of gratitude for what God has given you.
3. Better Sleep
Get ready for the best sleep of your life! No, I’m not talking about new layers of memory foam. Instead, try a little gratitude as a free solution for restless nights. By collecting positive thoughts of appreciation throughout the day, you will often find it easier to unwind when the day is over. Your day feels complete without any need to worry. A gratitude journal is also a great way to keep track of your blessings.
Related: How To Actually Have “Good Vibes Only”
4. Positive Relationships
Taking the time to show friends how much you appreciate them makes people more likely to want to be around you. Recognizing another’s help can lead to new friendship and relationship growth opportunities. Not being appreciative often does the opposite. No one wants to feel used or taken advantage of, so a few words of praise can help safeguard you from isolation and loneliness. Also, positive personal relationships are a great way to lower stress and increase happiness.
5. Greater Behavioral Health
Swapping out negative emotions like jealousy and regret with gratitude is a great way to increase joy. Start each morning celebrating the good things in your life. Then, with a posture of thanksgiving and praise, go to God in prayer. If you can, take the time to write down what you’re grateful for that day. Systematically putting gratitude into action is a great way to care for your mental health.
In the end
Whether you want to improve your self-esteem, become physically fit, or strengthen your relationships, gratitude is a great place to start. By making a daily effort to cultivate more positive thoughts, you will reap all the benefits of an attitude of gratitude. What can you do over the next 24 hours to be even more grateful?
