Tuesday Tidbit: The Science of Gratitude!
written by Rachel W.
Practicing gratitude can bring endless benefits for both the mind and the body. Read on to learn more about how you can make a difference in your life and the lives of others!
It is common knowledge that gratitude can be beneficial to others; kind words and thoughtful actions can have a huge impact on those surrounding you. For this reason, it is easy to see why gratitude should be practiced by everyone. The world would be a more positive place! One of the lesser known things about gratitude, however, is that it is extremely important to the health of those who are continuously being grateful and kind people.
From a physical standpoint, people who practice gratitude are less likely to report sickness, more likely to get exercise, and more likely to have a healthy relationship with their spouses. Having a positive attitude can be a gigantic influence on the way the brain functions, enough to allow more sleep per night or even make the immune system stronger.
The mental benefits are even more numerous. For example, depression is significantly less of a problem in those who practice gratitude. People report feeling more optimistic about upcoming events, more generous than normal, and less stressed about their lives when they stop and think about what they are grateful for. Having this positive outlook on life can spread to others around us too, making the world a better place one smile at a time.
Something as easy and quick as reflected on what you’re thankful for can have many positive effects. I encourage you to start practicing gratitude, and hopefully you can help the world become a more positive place!
Here are some interesting links to check out if you want to learn more about this topic: