GratitudeSample

Gratitude Is Good for You

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for something we have received or done for us. It is good for our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Physical benefits of having an attitude of gratitude include lower blood pressure, improved immune function, more efficient sleep, and increased exercise and healthy eating habits. Moreover, the practice of gratitude changes the brain. Gratitude lights up parts of the brain’s reward pathways and hypothalamus. It boosts our serotonin and dopamine levels, making us feel pleasure and calm.

Psychologist Robert Emmons notes, “Gratitude blocks toxic emotions, such as envy, resentment, regret and depression, which can destroy our happiness.” He also said, “It’s impossible to feel envious and grateful at the same time.” Thus, gratitude can transform how we think, feel, and behave.

Additional mental and emotional benefits to having an attitude of gratitude include reduced risks of depression and anxiety, decreased substance abuse, higher levels of self-esteem, lower overall stress, and a deeper connection with others. The significant people in our lives must know we appreciate and feel grateful for them. This often requires action or acknowledgment on our part, “Thank you so much! That was very thoughtful of you. I appreciate it.” When we work to develop gratitude and share it out loud with those around us, our relationships are strengthened. When we thank God for the situations and people in our lives, our relationship with Him is strengthened as well.

Gratitude contributes to contentment. Many people associate gratitude with happiness, and there might be a connection, but gratitude takes us to a deeper place that is peaceful and satisfying, where we don’t want or need anything more. Paul speaks of this in his letter to the church in Philippi. He concludes that he can be content, whatever the circumstances may be, through God, who gives him the necessary strength.

What can you thank God for today? Where can you practice gratitude and cultivate contentment? Whom might you express your appreciation to? Take action. Gratitude will bring you physical, emotional, and mental health and help you focus on God’s goodness in your life.