Amy Morin, psychotherapist and expert on mental strength, believes gratitude is key to relationships. Here are seven benefits she says are scientifically proven advantages of gratitude:
1. Opens the door to more relationships. Showing appreciation can help you win friends and customers, and acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities.
2. Improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people, and are also more likely to take care of their health.
3. Improves psychological health. Research by Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, finds that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
4. Enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less kindly.
5. Grateful people sleep better. Spend just 15 minutes thinking positive sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.
6. Improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component of optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.
7. Increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Recognizing all what we have to be thankful for —even during the worst times—fosters resilience.
1. Notice the goodness in life.
2. Practice seeing opportunities instead of problems.
3. Being around family and friends can foster gratitude.
4. Try to avoid being cynical and don’t take on the cynicism of others.
5. If you have a tough decision to make (Like relocating for a better job.), try seeing that decision/choice as a gift (knowing others wouldn’t mind having to make such a decision).
6. Enjoy the simple things in life.
7. Volunteer when you can to help others.
1. Opens the door to more relationships. Showing appreciation can help you win friends and customers, and acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities.
2. Improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people, and are also more likely to take care of their health.
3. Improves psychological health. Research by Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, finds that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
4. Enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less kindly.
5. Grateful people sleep better. Spend just 15 minutes thinking positive sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.
6. Improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component of optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.
7. Increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Recognizing all what we have to be thankful for —even during the worst times—fosters resilience.
How to Cultivate Gratitude
1. Notice the goodness in life.
2. Practice seeing opportunities instead of problems.
3. Being around family and friends can foster gratitude.
4. Try to avoid being cynical and don’t take on the cynicism of others.
5. If you have a tough decision to make (Like relocating for a better job.), try seeing that decision/choice as a gift (knowing others wouldn’t mind having to make such a decision).
6. Enjoy the simple things in life.
7. Volunteer when you can to help others.
