25 Oct Gratitude and Its Surprising Effects to Our Health

Gratefulness will get you a long way, especially when it comes to your health.  

Sometimes you can take for granted moments that might be a reason to be grateful. You have to be mindful when it comes to noticing things like that. 

Gratitude is a positive emotion that has similarity to feelings of appreciation. When you consciously cultivate feelings of gratitude, you reap health benefits too. 

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Gratitude and Our Health 

A 2021 review of 70 studies showed that higher levels of gratitude can lower levels of depression. However, the researchers cited that more study needs to be done to understand the correlation between higher gratitude and lower levels of depression. 

The study also found that people who practice gratitude have more optimism, positive effect, and satisfaction with life. In addition, grateful people are found to have higher self-esteem and regard themselves more positively. 

Aside from mental health benefits, gratitude can also have positive effects on one’s longevity. 

The 2024 study showed there is 9% lower risk of dying over the following four years for participants with high gratitude as compared to those who scored low. 

People who are more thankful are also less likely to have cardiovascular issues, according to a 2021 study. 

Participants that kept a gratitude journal during the duration of the study have seen a significant drop in their diastolic blood pressure. 

In addition, the sleep quality of participants improved moderately in the gratitude journal intervention. 

How Can I Practice Gratitude? 

The more you practice gratitude in your everyday life, the more you get used to it. It will eventually become a state of mind. 

You can practice gratitude in these ways: 

• Reflect on your experience: pause for a moment of reflection and think about the highlights of your day that you are most thankful for.  

• List down things: Keep a gratitude journal and write everything that made you feel grateful. It can be finishing a good book, having a well-deserved break, or just being able to do simple exercises without any difficulty. 

• Give back: You can express your gratitude by giving back or simply telling others that you are thankful for their presence in your life. 

A life of better health and wellness starts with your thoughts. Taking care of your health also means taking care of your mental and emotional health. 

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