Gratitude: It’s Good for Your Health
While we all know that it feels good to feel grateful, we may not be aware that it’s actually associated with powerful health benefits.
Gratitude is defined as “a deep appreciation for the goodness in your life.” While we all know that it feels good to feel grateful, we may not be aware that it’s actually associated with powerful health benefits.
Recent studies have shown that higher levels of gratitude are associated with greater feelings of well-being, lower rates of depression, better sleep, healthier biomarkers like glucose and cholesterol, and even lower risks of heart failure.
A 2024 study from JAMA Psychiatry showed that gratitude may even help us live longer.
This three-year study of more than 49,000 nurses showed that those with the highest levels of gratitude had a 9% lower risk of dying within the study period than those with the lowest levels.
How does this work?
Researchers posit that positive emotions, like gratitude, lead to positive behaviors, such as connecting more with others, and cultivating our physical health. These behaviors then “foster the growth of psychological, physical, and social resources, which initiates a positive spiral that leads to improved health.”
The good news is that gratitude is not a fixed trait, but rather a state of mind that can be increased with both attention and intention.
And fortunately for us, there are many ways to nourish and grow our feelings of gratitude. Many people have found- and studies have confirmed- that journaling about things we are grateful for can increase feelings of gratitude and other positive emotions. For tips on starting a gratitude journal, learn more HERE.
And like so many positive behaviors, there’s no need to worry about the “right” way to do it. Gratitude can come as easily as the next breath. Take a moment to try it right now: Close your eyes, and take a nice, slow exhale. In this moment, what are you most grateful for?
References
The impact of gratitude interventions on patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10551131/.
Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2820770.
Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal.
