The positive benefits of being thankful or having gratitude - kindness counts
Gratitude or thankfulness is simply taking time to think about all the positive things in your life. Rather than ruminating on the negatives. It does not necessarily necessitate actually telling anyone else you are thankful for the things they have done. (although, that helps) nor does it mean that you are somehow in someone else’s debt. It is about being thankful for the everyday things you have in life.
Gratitude may be one of the most overlooked yet easiest to use tools for increasing happiness. Research shows it is the single most powerful method of increasing happiness. Whether you would describe it as gratitude, being thankful or positive thinking matters less - for me, I’m not so keen on the gratitude word so I choose to be thankful. What is important is that you prioritise, preferably on a daily basis, recognising the good in your life.
Having an attitude of gratitude doesn’t cost any money. It doesn’t take much time. But the benefits of gratitude are enormous. Research reveals gratitude can have these seven benefits:
Gratitude/thankfulness makes us happier, by creating powerful neuropathways that lead to an increase in the happy hormones. It also cultivates being kinder in many different ways.
Gratitude/thankfulness opens up doors to new and positive relationships, it makes us more pleasant and happier to be around.
Gratitude/thankfulness makes us healthier, by creating an environment within ourselves of harmony and peace which allows our immune system to be optimal.
Gratitude/thankfulness boost our career or profession. We become better communications, decision-makers and more productive.
Gratitude/thankfulness reduces feelings of envy, makes our memories happier, lets us experience good feelings and helps us bounce back from stress. Allowing us to show kindness to ourselves and those around us.
Gratitude/thankfulness helps to develop our personality, our self-esteem and boosts confidence and sense of well-being.
Gratitude/thankfulness is strongly correlated with optimism. Optimism, in turn, makes us happier, improves our health, and has been shown to increase lifespan by as much as a few years. I’d say a 5 minute a day gratitude/thankfulness activity would be worth it just for this benefit.
Positive psychology research has shown that gratitude touches on many aspects of our lives. Our emotions. Personality. Social dynamics. Career success and health. All of these can contribute to increasing our basic happiness and ability to be kinder.