The Science of Gratitude

"Maybe happiness isn’t what you believe, but who you believe." –Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth. Spontaneously generated from within, it is an affirmation of goodness and warmth. This social emotion strengthens relationships. Watch the video above about the real-life, tangible benefits of practicing daily gratitude.

Gratitude is like a miracle pill that gives us these 14 incredible benefits: 

1. Better Sleep

2. Fewer Toxic Emotions

3. Boosts the Immune System

4. Reduces Depression

5. Better Mental Health

6. More Satisfying Relationships

7. Lower Blood Pressure

8. Improved Self Care

9. Increased Resilience to Adversity

10. More Confidence

11. More Happiness

12. More Attractiveness to Others

13. Less Materalistic

14. Improves Decision Making

Why Gratitude Matters

Psychologists find that, over time, feeling grateful boosts happiness and fosters both physical and psychological health, even among those already struggling with mental health problems. Studies show that practicing gratitude curbs the use of words expressing negative emotions and shifts inner attention away from such negative emotions as resentment and envy, minimizing the possibility of ruminating, which is a hallmark of depression.

How do you practice gratitude?

Just being around your family and friends can help you feel more grateful. Also, being more appreciative of life and feeling less cynical pushes you in a more thankful frame of mind. At other times, when you are facing a tough decision, seeing it as a gift is useful, some people wouldn’t mind having such a decision to make.

What makes a person feel grateful?

This depends on the person, and we all differ in the degree to which we are inclined to experience and express gratitude. It can be something as simple as a healthy spring shower, just because the rain washes everything clean. Engaging in a more specific act, such as volunteering to help others, makes people feel good about themselves.

Tips to Foster Gratitude

• Keep a journal of or in some way note big and little joys of daily life.

• Write down "three good things"—identify three things that have gone well for you and identify the cause.

• Write thank-you notes to others.

• Think about people who have inspired you and what about them was most significant.

• Engage in "mental subtraction." Imagine what your life would be like if some positive event had not occurred.