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Photo Credit: Nathan Dumlao
Photo Description: Grateful sign held in hand
Gratitude and Mental Health
Welcome to November, the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, calling to mind what it is we are grateful for. The concept of having an attitude of gratitude may be more important than we think! Science has proven Practicing Gratitude can in fact have a positive effect on both our mental and physical health.
Here are a few examples-
Gratitude may improve physical health. People who are grateful feel less aches and pains, get fewer headaches and are more productive. Those who practice being grateful are more likely to take care of their health and get sick less often. They tend to exercise more often, eat a healthier diet and are more likely to attend regular check-ups, contributing to greater longevity.
Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude may reduce a host of heavy emotions, such as anger, jealousy, and frustration. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the connection between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude increases well-being and may help those suffering from depression.
Gratitude can help create empathy and reduce aggressive thoughts and behaviors. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a socially acceptable manner, even when others behave badly, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback and experienced more sensitivity toward other people and a decreased desire to seek retaliation.
Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep. According to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, a few minutes a night jotting down grateful sentiments may help to sleep better and longer.
Gratitude increases mental strength. Research shows being grateful may play a major role in overcoming trauma. A 2006 study published in Behavior Research found that Vietnam War veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of PTSD. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was beneficial in developing resilience in those affected by September 11 terrorist attacks Being grateful, even during difficult times may create resiliency.
Ways to Practice Gratitude-
Try writing a gratitude list once a day – From small things like finding a good parking space to bigger things like a healthy family.
Take a walk in nature – Walk in the mountains or at the beach and embrace Mother Nature’s beauty.
Help someone else – Visit an elderly friend or neighbor.
What other ways can you think to be grateful ?!
Give Gratitude a try …. It may be contagious !!
Resources
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/therapy
