Benefits of an Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude makes everyone feel better.  You feel better when you show your appreciation and the person receiving the acknowledgement does too.

But gratitude does so much more.  Studies have found that gratitude has social, physical and psychological benefits.  These benefits are available to anyone who practices gratitude, even in the midst of struggle.

For example, one study found that being thankful actually helped to improve the health of heart disease patients. Researchers believe that there are wider implications to gratitude and that it can help anyone.

Here are a few benefits to practicing gratitude:

  • Increases happiness and life satisfaction
  • Reduces anxiety and depression.
  • Better sleep.
  • Increase sour capacity to overcome hardship.
  • Strengthens our relationships.
  • Promotes forgiveness.

If you want to see improvements in your health and outlook, then choose an attitude of gratitude.

 

What does gratitude mean to you?

To me, it is an appreciation that causes us to have a desire to give something back because we recognize that we have been supported or cared for by someone else.

 

How to show gratitude

It is important to demonstrate your gratitude so that others know just how much you appreciate them. There are many different ways to show others just how grateful you are.  Here are a few ways you could show gratitude.

  • Say “thank you”! You can show your gratitude by thanking them for a specific action. Take a moment to look them in the eye and say “I appreciate what you have done, thank you for your support.”
  • You could send a thank you note or bring them lunch or offering to buy it for them.
  • Sometimes just listening can be a good way to show your gratitude.
  • You can do little things for others that make their lives easier.
  • As much as they make some of us squirm or feel uncomfortable, everyone loves compliments so make sure you give compliments often.

Don’t forget to show gratitude to yourself. Make sure to be grateful for who you are (so special and unique) and what you have achieved. Great things are happening in your life each and every day.

  • You could start a gratitude journal. This could be as simple as a list of all the positive and good things in your life.
  • Learn to accept appreciation and compliments from others and remember to give yourself compliments as well.

Gratitude is an important part of life, and showing it to others can help benefit so many areas of your life. Make a note of the positive things happening every day and show your gratitude just for being alive!

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