Study after study proves that practicing gratitude has numerous health benefits, including improving your physical health, sleep and mental health. On top of that, people who strive to feel grateful have shown to have more empathy and experience less aggression.
A gratitude practice could involve writing down a few sentences each day or simply taking a moment to acknowledge what you’re thankful for. However you do it, here are three reasons why counting your blessings can make you feel better—literally.
- Gratitude improves your health. A 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that grateful people report fewer aches and pains than others. They are also more likely to take care of their health by exercising and attending regular doctor visits, which can lead to longevity and better physical health.
- Gratitude can improve your psychological health. Researcher Robert Emmons found that practicing gratitude can lead to higher levels of positive emotions, greater alertness, and more feelings of joy and optimism.
- Improve your social health. Emmons also found that gratitude can lead to several social benefits, including strengthened relationships and the drive to become more helpful, generous and compassionate.
If you need help getting started with a gratitude practice, this My Southern Health article has several helpful tips. Remember that being grateful doesn’t mean you can’t experience difficult emotions—it just means that even in the wake of hard times, you know that good things are still present in your daily life.