The Benefits of Gratitude
When was the last time someone did something kind for you that was unexpected yet greatly appreciated. Some examples might be:
Your kids or spouse helped you with a task without you having to ask
Someone let you into their lane during a traffic jam so that you didn’t miss your exit
Your friends and family filled your Facebook timeline with “Happy Birthday” wishes on your birthday
When you think of something that made you feel grateful, where do you feel that feeling? Many of us feel that feeling in our chest near our hearts. For me, it’s a warm feeling in my chest. How does it feel for you?
Research in the area of positive psychology has shown that grateful people experience both physical and psychological benefits. These benefits have a positive impact, not only on the individual level, but also on a broader social level. Let’s talk about those benefits!
The Physical Health Benefits of Gratitude
1. A Grateful Heart
It should come as no surprise that stress, depression, and anxiety play a big part in contributing to cardiovascular disease. In one study, gratitude researchers found that study participants experienced a positive impact on their heart rate variability, which is an indicator of good health (McCraty, Atkinson, and Tiller, 1995).
2. Better Sleep
Studies show that people who live in an ‘attitude of gratitude” are typically less stressed, which translates into lower blood pressure and the ability to sleep better. Trying to fall asleep when you have the weight of the world on your shoulders is a difficult task. Sleeping after counting one’s blessing can lead to a peaceful slumber.
3. Increased Energy and Motivation
Gratitude helps reduce the level of cortisol in our bodies. Cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” has been shown to interfere with both cognitive abilities and physical abilities. Elevated cortisol levels lead to weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure and overall feelings of fatigue. Having feelings of gratitude not only decreases cortisol levels but also provides a shot of dopamine, the “feel good” hormone. This can make us feel unstoppable!
4. Stronger Immune System and Less Pain
Gratitude increases optimism which, in turn, has been shown to boost immune system response. Studies conducted by the universities of Utah and Kentucky found that law students who characterized their personality and individual demeanor as optimistic generally had stronger immune systems than those who did not. This could be attributed to lower levels of cortisol in the body.
The Psychological Health Benefits of Gratitude
5. Increasing Mindfulness
Gratitude improves mindfulness and the feeling of connection. Counting one’s blessings requires thinking about the here and now, not some time in the distant future or distant past.
6. Reduces Envy
Envy is a destructive emotion because it is a feeling of being discontent with what we have and the desire to possess what someone else has. It is rooted in resentment which is definitely a negative emotion.
This isn’t to say that simply having a goal of acquiring what you currently don’t have is a bad thing, but being envious of those who already possess it places that positive goal in a very negative light.
When you focus on what you have and are grateful for that, your thinking isn’t distracted by demotivating and destructive envious thoughts.
7. Spreading Good Vibes
Random acts of kindness are contagious primarily because they spread goodwill among those involved. When someone does something nice for me, it makes me want to reciprocate the favor. Going back to the example of needing to change lanes while stuck in traffic, when someone lets me through,
