5 Reasons Why Gratitude Is Good For Your Health
Adapted from MindBodyGreen
Gratitude: An intentional appreciation of what and who you have; an acceptance and explicit acknowledgment of what life brings you.
When the power of the mind and the power of the heart join forces, the positive results are inevitable. This is gratitude. Using your love and intention to simply acknowledge your abundance. Not only does it feel good to express gratitude, scientific studies show the emotional and physical benefits of adopting the attitude of gratitude. Everybody wins!
The following is a list written by Dr. Lawrence Rosen sharing the health benefits you can experience from practicing gratitude. The original article includes links to all the studies that back up these facts. Pretty amazing stuff. Enjoy!
1. Gratitude reduces depression.
In eight different studies, gratitude was shown to reduce feelings of depression. It worked best when people chose to think optimistically and reframe events and situations in a positive way.
2. Gratitude can help you feel peaceful.
It lessens anxiety, and can be helpful for those suffering from severe conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. Gratitude can help you get your zzzs.
It improves sleep, which in turn has a positive impact on mood. And anxiety. And just about everything.
4. Gratitude is great for your heart.
It improves overall cardiac health, both indirectly through improving mood and attention to positive health behaviours like fitness and nutrition, as well as directly through reduction in inflammation.
5. Gratitude is a brain booster.
It strengthens memory. For elderly adults, practicing gratitude was shown to improve their overall sense of well-being and quality of life.
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