What activity is easy to adopt and boosts mental and physical health? Grateful thinking, a powerful practice that opens the door to a more joyful, fulfilling life.
Decades of scientific research have revealed that gratitude increases our happiness, strengthens our immune system, has us sleep better, helps us socially and boosts our work productivity. With all these benefits, it’s clear that the practice of gratitude is a worthwhile pursuit.
Often though, our hectic routines can prevent us from feeling grateful. We may be going through a tough time and cannot possibly see any good in life. However, over time, gratitude can help us heal because it shifts our negative emotions to more positive ones. We focus on what we appreciate and cherish in life rather than on what we lack or want. We become more aware of the beauty of nature, our nice home and the love and support of our family and friends.
Robert Emmons, Ph.D., an expert in gratitude and author of Thanks! How the Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, writes, “I soon discovered that gratitude is a deeper, more complex phenomenon that plays a critical role in human happiness. Gratitude is literally one of the few things that can measurably change peoples’ lives.”
To help you stay inspired about the benefits of gratitude, we have summarized the research into a convenient infographic. We’ve also included a few ways to practice gratitude. We hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: In the spirit of full disclosure, the above book links are affiliate links, which means that I will receive a small commission if you decide to purchase anything from Amazon. I only recommend books I would read, so I know you’ll be in good hands.
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