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Practicing gratitude can have a lot of positive effects on your overall well-being. Here are some key benefits of practicing gratitude:

Improved Mental Health: Gratitude can help in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to improved mental well-being.
Better Relationships: Being grateful can enhance your relationships by fostering a sense of appreciation and empathy towards others.
Enhanced Physical Health: Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to improved sleep, strengthened immune system, and reduced stress levels.
Increased Happiness: Gratitude helps in shifting your focus towards the positive aspects of life, leading to a more positive and joyful outlook.
Greater Resilience: It can help in building resilience, enabling individuals to cope better with challenges and setbacks.
Boosted Self-Esteem: Regularly expressing gratitude can contribute to greater self-esteem and a more positive self-image.

By incorporating gratitude into your daily life, you may experience these and other positive effects that can contribute to a greater sense of well-being.

How to Practice Gratitude Daily Practices Starting a Journal Gratitude and the Brain Science of Gratitude Practicing gratitude can be a game-changer: it has far reaching effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships with others. Living your life with gratitude helps you notice the little winslike the bus showing up right on time, a stranger holding the door for you, or the sun shining through your window when you wake up in the morning. Each of these small moments strings together to create a web of well-being that, over time, strengthens your ability to notice the good.Building your capacity for gratitude isnt difficult. It just takes practice. The more you can bring your attention to that which you feel grateful for, the more youll notice to feel grateful for! Start by observing. Notice the thank yous you say. Just how much of a habitual response is it? Is it a hasty aside, an afterthought? How are you feeling when you express thanks in small transactions? Stressed, uptight, a little absent-minded? Do a quick scan of your bodyare you already physically moving on to your next interaction? Pick one interaction a day. When your instinct to say thanks arises, stop for a moment and take note. Can you name what you feel grateful for, even beyond the gesture thats been extended? Then say thank you. How Do I Practice Gratitude? Robert Emmons, psychology professor and gratitude researcher at the University of California, Davis, explains that there are two key components of practicing gratitude: We affirm the good things weve received We acknowledge the role other people play in providing our lives with goodness Most of us know its important to express thanks to the people who help us, or silently acknowledge the things we are grateful for in life. Research has linked gratitude with a wide range of benefits, including strengthening your immune system and improving sleep patterns, feeling optimistic and experiencing more joy and pleasure, being more helpful and generous, and feeling less lonely and isolated. Interested in reaping some of these benefits? Get started with a gratitude practice. Practicing Daily Gratitude 10 Ways to Practice Daily Gratitude As Jon Kabat-Zinn says, The little things? The little moments? They arent little. Saying thank you, holding the door for someone, these little moments can change the tone of your whole day. One of the most powerful ways to rewire your brain for more joy and less stress is to focus on gratitude. Here are 10 simple ways to become more grateful: Keep a Gratitude Journal. Establish a daily practice in which you remind yourself of the gifts, grace, benefits, and good things you enjoy. Recalling moments of gratitude associated with ordinary events, your personal attributes, or valued people in your life gives you the potential to interweave a sustainable theme of gratefulness into your life. Remember the Bad. To be grateful in your current state, it is helpful to remember the hard times that you once experienced. When you remember how difficult life used to be and how far you have come, you set up an explicit contrast in your mind, and this contrast is fertile ground for gratefulness. Ask Yourself Three Questions. Meditate on your relationships with parents, friends, siblings, work associates, children, and partners using these three questions: What have I received from ?, What have I given to ?, and What troubles and difficulty have I caused? Share Your Gratitude with Others. Research has found that expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships. So the next time your partner, friend or family member does something you appreciate, be sure to let them know. Come to Your Senses. Through our sensesthe ability to touch, see, smell, taste, and hearwe gain an appreciation of what it means to be human and of what an incredible miracle it is to be alive. Seen through the lens of gratitude, the human body is not only a miraculous construction, but also a gift. Use Vi

mindful.org

What is gratitude? Gratitude involves showing appreciation for the things in life that are meaningful or valuable to you. Taking a moment to notice and acknowledge the things youre grateful for each day can brighten your outlook, boost your mood, and help you feel more positive in the face of challenges. While its easy to feel a rush of joy after winning the lottery or receiving a big promotion at work, gratitude extends to the smaller blessings in life that are often overlooked or taken for granted. Even the smallest moments, such as a brief chat with a friend, a kind gesture from a stranger, a cool breeze on a hot day, or a peaceful stroll in nature, are things that you can be thankful for. Whatever your circumstances in life, you may find that consistently showing gratitude can be surprisingly difficult. Many of us get caught up in a negativity bias, where we linger on bad news and unpleasant experiences, yet allow moments of positivity to fade into the background. Maybe you spend so much time dreading work on Monday that you dont take time to fully appreciate the weekend. Or perhaps youre so focused on your own verbal slip-up at a party that you dont register a compliment from a friend. And if you have a mood disorder such as depression, being able to see any positives or express gratitude can seem impossible. Fortunately, gratitude is like a muscle that you can build. With the right exercises and practice, you can find at least something small to appreciate in even the bleakest day. The idea of cultivating gratitude might sound cheesy, but research has shown that it can have very real benefits. With these tips, you can use gratitude to uplift your mood, find respite from negativity, foster stronger relationships, and even change the way you view yourself. Speak to a Licensed Therapist The world's largest therapy service. 100% online. Get matched with a professional, licensed, and vetted therapist in as little as 48 hours. Benefits of practicing gratitude A little gratitude can do wonders for your mood. When you practice gratitude, you shift your thoughts away from negative emotions and uncomfortable sensations. Instead, you begin to focus on good things that you may have overlooked. Rather than focusing on the misfortune of having a flat tire, for example, you consider how your job has made it possible to pay for repairs. Or you shift your focus to how fortunate you are to have close friends who are willing to drive you home. This kind of thinking leads to a release of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals in the brain that are associated with happiness and pleasure. Acknowledging gratitude also decreases stress hormones. The short-term result is a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood. In the long-term, regularly practicing gratitude may also lead to lasting changes in your brain, priming you to be more grateful going forward. Because gratitude can boost your mood, perhaps it's no surprise that it can also improve your overall mental health. As you practice gratitude, you may notice a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety. While gratitude alone may not be a magic bullet to mental health issues, it can be one part of a broader treatment plan. Approaching life with a more positive mindset can do more than just improve your mood. It can have cascading benefits in other areas of your life, such as: Better sleep. Some research links increased gratitude with higher quality sleep and fewer sleep disturbances. This might be because expressing gratitude right before bed allows you to fall asleep with a more positive outlook. Improved focus. Gratitude might make it easier for you to focus. If you begin to view the task in front of you whether its schoolwork or job duties in a more positive light, you spend less energy feeling stressed about it. You might even begin to view challenges, such as an upcoming exam, as opportunities rather than hurdles. This can improve your emotional resiliency. Higher self-esteem. Vi

helpguide.org

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can improve your life in a variety of ways. When you are grateful, it is difficult to feel depressed or sorry for yourself.According to Emmons and McCulloughs research, keeping a gratitude journal a simple notebook where you write down daily what you are grateful for, has numerous benefits.[1]The study found that people who kept a journal exercised more frequently, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives overall, and were more optimistic. It also revealed that people who kept a journal were more likely to achieve their goals.In comparison to the control group, there was a greater sense of connectedness to others, a more optimistic outlook on life, and better sleep quality.If you want to reap the many benefits of gratitude, start practicing gratitude every day.How To Practice GratitudeHere are 40 simple ways to make gratitude a part of everyday life.1. Keep a gratitude journal and add to it every dayKeeping a gratitude journal is an effective method for cultivating gratitude. Spend a few minutes each day writing down what you are grateful for.A good meal, a warm bed, or a kind word from a friend can all be examples of this. You can begin to shift your perspective and appreciate what you have by focusing on the positive aspects of your life.2. Tell someone you love them and appreciate them.Expressing gratitude to others can help to strengthen your bonds and make them feel valued. Take the time to express how much you value the people in your life and how grateful you are for their presence.3. Notice the beauty in nature each dayNature is full of wonders that can awe and inspire gratitude. Take a few moments each day to appreciate the natural beauty around you, whether its a sunrise, a flower, or the song of a bird. 4. Value your friendships; good friends dont come along every day.In our lives, good friendships bring us joy and support. Make time to connect with your friends, listen to them, and demonstrate your concern. Taking care of your friendships can help you recognize the positive impact they have on your life.5. Smile more oftenSmiling is an easy way to cultivate gratitude and optimism. It can boost your mood and make those around you feel better.Even when you dont feel like it, try to smile more frequently and watch how your mood and interactions with others improve. 6. Watch inspiring videos that will remind you of the good in the world.In todays world, its all too easy to focus on the bad news and events. However, there are many inspiring stories and videos that show the good in people.Make time to watch these inspiring stories; they will make you feel more grateful and optimistic about the world.7. Make it a habit to do one act of kindness every day.Kindness, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on both others and yourself. Make it a daily goal to do something nice for someone else, whether its holding the door, complimenting someone, or offering to help.8. Avoid negative media and movies with destructive contentNegative media and movies can sap your energy and draw your attention to the negative aspects of life.Choose to consume positive and uplifting media that will help you cultivate gratitude and joy.9. Call your mom or dad more oftenYour parents are most likely a source of love and support in your life, but we can all be guilty of taking them for granted at times.Make an effort to call them more frequently and express your appreciation for everything they have done for you.10. Cook with love, and think about those you will feedCooking is an excellent way to express gratitude and love. When you cook, think about who will be eating the meal and put your energy and intention into it. This can help you in appreciating the act of cooking as well as the joy it brings to others.11. Volunteer for charitable organizationsIts a wonderful way to give back and be thankful for what you have. It allows you to put things into perspective and appreciate

lifehack.org

define gratitude

Gratitude is a positive emotion characterized by a conscious appreciation for something, whether tangible or intangible. It involves feeling thankful and responding with kindness, warmth, and other forms of generosity towards what or whom one is grateful for. Gratitude goes beyond mere politeness and encompasses a deeper sense of recognition and thankfulness for the good things that happen in life. It can be expressed through actions, thoughts, or words and has been associated with several mental and physical health benefits.

Jump to section What is gratitude? Why is gratitude important? What are the two stages of gratitude? Is gratitude an emotion or a feeling? How to practice gratitude: 5 examples Final thoughts on gratitude Do you want to learn more about the concept of gratitude? This article will explore the definition of gratitude, why its essential, and a list of ways to practice gratitude on a daily basis. When was the last time you felt grateful for something? What was it? Why did you feel grateful? How did you express your gratitude? More importantly, how did your gratitude affect other areas of your life? Did you feel a little extra bounce in your step? Were you happier? Did you have a more optimistic outlook toward the future? Gratitude is a simple tool we all have at our disposal to improve our own well-beingand that of others. Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie What is gratitude? Gratitude is a conscious, positive emotion one can express when feeling thankful for something, whether tangible or intangible. From the time we are little, we are asked to thank others when they give us a gift or extend a nice gesture. We learn to thank automatically and as a social rule. But, how many times do we extend thanks for the little good things that happen to us daily? Do we really know how to be grateful? We have all heard or read many definitions of gratitude, but experiencing gratitude at its core requires a conscious effort. How many times do we say 'thank you' without taking a moment to actually feel thankful? Gratitude implies much more than showing good manners. Its a practice that requires acknowledging someone else's gesture towards us or the things that are going well in our lives. It involves both a process of recognition of the positive and its outcome. Why is gratitude important? Regularly practicing and expressing gratitude has many benefits, both short- and long-term. Psychologists have highly researched gratitude and find it to be among the main focuses of positive psychology. Evidence suggests that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. But how? Gratitude changes our brains Research has found that people who tend to be more grateful have more brain activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, the area associated with learning and decision making. This brain activity persisted a month later, suggesting that gratitude has long-lasting effects. Gratitude can overpower negative emotions Feeling grateful boosts positive emotions like joy and compassion while encouraging us to look for and connect with whats good in life. This helps us switch our attention from toxic emotions, such as resentment and envy. Gratitude builds over time A continued gratitude practice starts having long-lasting effects on mood and behavior, which can snowball over time. Gratitude can help combat depression A study showed that a single thoughtful appreciation leads to an immediate 10 percent increase in happiness and a 35 percent reduction in depressive symptoms. When it becomes a habit, it can help prevent anxiety and depression. Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. Its the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul. Amy Collette Gratitude boosts our optimism According to research by Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Dr. Michael E. McCullough, people who write a few sentences each week focusing on gratitude felt more optimistic. It improves our health Besides reducing and countering negative emotions, practicing gratitude is linked to other healthy behaviors, such as working out. Research has also associated gratitude with more robust immune systems, fewer aches and pains, lower blood pressure, and a deeper, more restoring sleep. It leads to stronger relationships and communities Through gratitude, we increase our capacity

betterup.com

What Is Gratitude? Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative and is associated with several mental and physical health benefits. When you experience gratitude, you feel grateful for something or someone in your life and respond with feelings of kindness, warmth, and other forms of generosity. The word gratitude can have a number of different meanings depending on how others use it and in what context. In general terms, gratitude stems from the recognition that something good happened to you, accompanied by an appraisal that someone, whether another individual or an impersonal source, such as nature or a divine entity, was responsible for it, explain researchers Lzie Fofonka Cunha, Lucia Campos Pellanda, and Caroline Tozzi Reppold in a 2019 article published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. History of Gratitude The subject is something that has interested religious scholars and philosophers since ancient times. Research on gratitude didn't take off until the 1950s, as psychologists and sociologists began to examine the impact that gratitude could have on individuals and groups. Since then, interest in the topic has grown considerably as the potential health benefits became increasingly apparent. Signs of Gratitude So what does gratitude look like? How do you know if you are experiencing a sense of gratitude? Expressing your appreciation and thanks for what you have can happen in a number of different ways. For example, it might entail: Spending a few moments thinking about the things in your life that you are grateful forStopping to observe and acknowledge the beauty of wonder of something you encounter in your daily lifeBeing thankful for your healthThanking someone for the positive influence they have in your lifeDoing something kind for another person to show that you are gratefulPaying attention to the small things in your life that bring you joy and peaceMeditation or prayer focused on giving thanks Gratitude is often a spontaneous emotion that you feel in the moment. Some people are naturally prone to experiencing it more often than others, but experts suggest that it is also something that you can cultivate and learn to practice more often. Measuring Gratitude You can evaluate your tendency to experience gratitude by asking yourself the following questions. Do you feel like you have a lot to be thankful for in your life?If you made a list of all the things you are grateful for, would that list be very long?When you look at the world, can you find many things to be grateful for?Do you feel like your appreciation for life and other people has grown stronger as you get older?Do you frequently experience moments where you appreciate someone or something?Do you appreciate a wide variety of people in your life? If you answered yes to most of these questions, you probably have a strong sense of gratitude. If you answered no to many or all, you could take steps to bring more gratitude into your life. Types of Gratitude At times, we can categorize gratitude in three different ways: As an affective trait, meaning that it is related to a person's general disposition. Some people naturally experience gratitude more frequently than others. However, research has not demonstrated a clear connection to any of the Big Five personality traits such as conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extroversion. As a mood, which means it may fluctuate over time. People might experience periods where they feel more grateful in general, and at other times they may experience this less often. As an emotion, which is a briefer feeling that people experience in the moment. People might have a particular experience that inspires feelings of gratitude. How to Practice Gratitude Developing a sense of gratitude isn't complex or challenging. It doesn't require any special tools or training. And the more you practice it, the better you will become and put yourself into a grateful state of mind. Here's how to do this:

verywellmind.com

What Is Gratitude? Gratitude is when you feel thankful for the good things in your life. This could be stuff people often take for granted, like having a place to live, food, clean water, friends, and family. Gratitude is taking a moment to reflect on how lucky you are when something good happens, whether it's small or big. You can use lots of words to describe feelings of gratitude: thankful, fortunate, humbled, appreciative, and blessed. Here's why gratitude is important and some ideas for how to be more grateful. Why Does Gratitude Matter? Being grateful feels nice, and making a habit of it is good for you. Like other positive emotions, feeling grateful on a regular basis can have a big effect on your life. Gratitude can: Boost your ability to learn and make smart decisions. Balance out negative emotions. People who often feel grateful are happier, less stressed, and less depressed. Rather than focusing on what you don't have, notice what you do have. Lead to caring actions. When youre grateful for someone's kindness, you may be more likely to be nice in return. Your gratitude can also have a positive effect on someone else's actions. Thanking people can make it more likely they'll do something thoughtful again. Help you build better relationships. When you feel and express heartfelt gratitude and respect to people in your life, it creates loving bonds. It also builds trust and helps you feel closer. When you make gratitude a habit, you become more aware of good things as they happen. How Can I Make Gratitude a Habit? Sometimes feelings of gratitude happen without you expecting them. But you can also create them by looking for things you appreciate. Each day, pay attention to stuff you're glad to have in your life so it becomes a habit. Slow down and notice what's around you. For example: "Wow, the sunset is beautiful today. What an incredible world I live in," or, "There's Sara. It was so nice of her to help me yesterday." You might not always feel positive and want to practice gratitude. But if you're feeling down, that's exactly when you should do it for a lift. Here are some ways to make gratitude part of your life: Say thank-you often. Look for reasons to thank people and then do it. This helps you be more grateful and makes them feel good too. Start a positive journal. Write about stuff youre grateful for the entries can be brief. You can do this at bedtime each day. Try to find at least three good things that happened to you. Soon youll start to notice more positive things about the people in your life and yourself. Make a gratitude jar. To help remind you to be more thankful, decorate a jar (or box) and put it where you can see it. Each day, write what youre grateful for on slips of paper and add them to the jar. Write a letter. Writing a letter to someone you value can help you practice gratitude in your relationships. You can give it to that person or not. Either way, the letter helps you appreciate the important people in your life. Find a gratitude buddy. It can help to start a healthy habit with another person, so have someone join you in being thankful. Tell a family member or friend three things youre grateful for, then ask them to do the same. Practicing gratitude is easier than you think. Start now. What's good about this moment?

kidshealth.org

in more simple term please

In simple terms, gratitude is the feeling of being thankful for something good that has happened to you or for something you have. It's about recognizing and appreciating the positive things in your life, whether big small, and feeling happy and thankful for them.

When you feel down in the dumps or find yourself in a funk, how do you cope? Do you turn to junk food, self-medication, shopping, etc.?One healthy, powerful, and free strategy to rise from this temporary emotional state is to practice gratitude. Gratitude turns what little you have into abundance. Gratitude is so much more than saying thank you. Gratitude changes your perspective of your world.But yet you wonder how you can find the positive when everything seems so bleak? Read on to learn how to identify the positive when it seems there is nothing to be grateful for. Well also explain the importance of gratitude, how to show it to others, and share gratitude and appreciation videos. Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Gratitude Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients connect to more positive emotions and enjoy the benefits of gratitude. This Article Contains: What is Gratitude Its Meaning & Definition Gratitude & Positive Psychology What is the Connection? Why Is It Important to Be Grateful? The Importance of Gratitude in Life The Importance of Thanksgiving How to Show Gratitude and Appreciation 5 YouTube Gratitude Videos A Take-Home Message References What is Gratitude Its Meaning & Definition Gratitude is an emotion similar to appreciation. The American Psychological Association (n.d.) more specifically defines this phenomenon as a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to a fortunate happenstance or tangible gift. Gratitude is both a state and a trait (Jans-Beken et al., 2020). Better explained, one can experience gratitude for someone or something at a certain moment in time, and someone experience gratitude more long-term as a positive character trait. According to Dr. Robert Emmons, the feeling of gratitude involves two stages (Emmons & McCullough, 2003):First comes the acknowledgment of goodness in ones life. In a state of gratitude, we say yes to life. We affirm that, all in all, life is good and has elements that make it worth living. The acknowledgment that we have received something gratifies us, both by its presence and by the effort the giver put into choosing it. Second, gratitude is recognizing that sources of this goodness lie outside the self. One can be grateful to our creator, other people, animals, and the world, but not to oneself. At this stage, we recognize the goodness in our lives and who to thank for it. The two stages of gratitude comprise the recognition of the goodness in our lives and then how this goodness came to us. Through this process, we recognize the fortune of everything that improves our lives and ourselves.Further, gratitude can be considered either a dispositional trait or a state of being. As a trait, an individual practices gratitude as part of their daily life (McCullough et al., 2002), and it is considered a character strength. It is important to remember that gratitude is a strength that can be enhanced with awareness and practice. When a person experiences the emotion from someone expressing gratitude for them, it is referred to as a state (Watkins et al., 2009). Gratitude & Positive Psychology What is the Connection? As we already know, positive psychology focuses on positive thoughts and behaviors. Its constructs include optimism, hope, and, you guessed it gratitude (Iodice et al., 2021).As part of Seligmans PERMA model, which includes positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement, a key positive emotion includes gratitude (Lianov, 2021). Robert Emmons has led positive psychologys expansion of research on the importance of gratitude. Emmons has authored several papers on the psychology of gratitude, showing that being more grateful can lead to increased levels of wellbeing (Emmons & Crumpler, 2000). Some of Emmonss work has also specifically dealt with gratitude in a religious setting, highlighting how gratitude towards a higher power may lead to increased p

positivepsychology.com

Jump to section What is gratitude? Why is gratitude important? What are the two stages of gratitude? Is gratitude an emotion or a feeling? How to practice gratitude: 5 examples Final thoughts on gratitude Do you want to learn more about the concept of gratitude? This article will explore the definition of gratitude, why its essential, and a list of ways to practice gratitude on a daily basis. When was the last time you felt grateful for something? What was it? Why did you feel grateful? How did you express your gratitude? More importantly, how did your gratitude affect other areas of your life? Did you feel a little extra bounce in your step? Were you happier? Did you have a more optimistic outlook toward the future? Gratitude is a simple tool we all have at our disposal to improve our own well-beingand that of others. Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie What is gratitude? Gratitude is a conscious, positive emotion one can express when feeling thankful for something, whether tangible or intangible. From the time we are little, we are asked to thank others when they give us a gift or extend a nice gesture. We learn to thank automatically and as a social rule. But, how many times do we extend thanks for the little good things that happen to us daily? Do we really know how to be grateful? We have all heard or read many definitions of gratitude, but experiencing gratitude at its core requires a conscious effort. How many times do we say 'thank you' without taking a moment to actually feel thankful? Gratitude implies much more than showing good manners. Its a practice that requires acknowledging someone else's gesture towards us or the things that are going well in our lives. It involves both a process of recognition of the positive and its outcome. Why is gratitude important? Regularly practicing and expressing gratitude has many benefits, both short- and long-term. Psychologists have highly researched gratitude and find it to be among the main focuses of positive psychology. Evidence suggests that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. But how? Gratitude changes our brains Research has found that people who tend to be more grateful have more brain activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, the area associated with learning and decision making. This brain activity persisted a month later, suggesting that gratitude has long-lasting effects. Gratitude can overpower negative emotions Feeling grateful boosts positive emotions like joy and compassion while encouraging us to look for and connect with whats good in life. This helps us switch our attention from toxic emotions, such as resentment and envy. Gratitude builds over time A continued gratitude practice starts having long-lasting effects on mood and behavior, which can snowball over time. Gratitude can help combat depression A study showed that a single thoughtful appreciation leads to an immediate 10 percent increase in happiness and a 35 percent reduction in depressive symptoms. When it becomes a habit, it can help prevent anxiety and depression. Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. Its the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul. Amy Collette Gratitude boosts our optimism According to research by Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Dr. Michael E. McCullough, people who write a few sentences each week focusing on gratitude felt more optimistic. It improves our health Besides reducing and countering negative emotions, practicing gratitude is linked to other healthy behaviors, such as working out. Research has also associated gratitude with more robust immune systems, fewer aches and pains, lower blood pressure, and a deeper, more restoring sleep. It leads to stronger relationships and communities Through gratitude, we increase our capacity

betterup.com

What Is Gratitude? Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative and is associated with several mental and physical health benefits. When you experience gratitude, you feel grateful for something or someone in your life and respond with feelings of kindness, warmth, and other forms of generosity. The word gratitude can have a number of different meanings depending on how others use it and in what context. In general terms, gratitude stems from the recognition that something good happened to you, accompanied by an appraisal that someone, whether another individual or an impersonal source, such as nature or a divine entity, was responsible for it, explain researchers Lzie Fofonka Cunha, Lucia Campos Pellanda, and Caroline Tozzi Reppold in a 2019 article published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. History of Gratitude The subject is something that has interested religious scholars and philosophers since ancient times. Research on gratitude didn't take off until the 1950s, as psychologists and sociologists began to examine the impact that gratitude could have on individuals and groups. Since then, interest in the topic has grown considerably as the potential health benefits became increasingly apparent. Signs of Gratitude So what does gratitude look like? How do you know if you are experiencing a sense of gratitude? Expressing your appreciation and thanks for what you have can happen in a number of different ways. For example, it might entail: Spending a few moments thinking about the things in your life that you are grateful forStopping to observe and acknowledge the beauty of wonder of something you encounter in your daily lifeBeing thankful for your healthThanking someone for the positive influence they have in your lifeDoing something kind for another person to show that you are gratefulPaying attention to the small things in your life that bring you joy and peaceMeditation or prayer focused on giving thanks Gratitude is often a spontaneous emotion that you feel in the moment. Some people are naturally prone to experiencing it more often than others, but experts suggest that it is also something that you can cultivate and learn to practice more often. Measuring Gratitude You can evaluate your tendency to experience gratitude by asking yourself the following questions. Do you feel like you have a lot to be thankful for in your life?If you made a list of all the things you are grateful for, would that list be very long?When you look at the world, can you find many things to be grateful for?Do you feel like your appreciation for life and other people has grown stronger as you get older?Do you frequently experience moments where you appreciate someone or something?Do you appreciate a wide variety of people in your life? If you answered yes to most of these questions, you probably have a strong sense of gratitude. If you answered no to many or all, you could take steps to bring more gratitude into your life. Types of Gratitude At times, we can categorize gratitude in three different ways: As an affective trait, meaning that it is related to a person's general disposition. Some people naturally experience gratitude more frequently than others. However, research has not demonstrated a clear connection to any of the Big Five personality traits such as conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extroversion. As a mood, which means it may fluctuate over time. People might experience periods where they feel more grateful in general, and at other times they may experience this less often. As an emotion, which is a briefer feeling that people experience in the moment. People might have a particular experience that inspires feelings of gratitude. How to Practice Gratitude Developing a sense of gratitude isn't complex or challenging. It doesn't require any special tools or training. And the more you practice it, the better you will become and put yourself into a grateful state of mind. Here's how to do this:

verywellmind.com