Why Practicing Gratitude Every Day Is Key to Well-Being

Why Practicing Gratitude Every Day Is Key to Well-Being

The practice of gratitude and appreciation is not new to Positive Psychology or even modern psychology.

In fact, all the major religions and most of the great philosophers have, in some way or other, advocated for gratitude for thousands of years.

But we now know that there is a scientific validity behind recommending gratitude. We now know it’s more than just a nice idea, it works. And by works I mean we know it boosts health and wellbeing, happiness and more …

via Psychology Today by Suzie Pileggi Pawelski, MAPP and James Pawelski, Ph.D.

KEY POINTS

  • Gratitude can boost happiness and strengthen relationships.
  • Gratitude should be a long-term practice, not a short-term practice.
  • When expressing gratitude to others, it’s best to focus on the strengths and actions of the giver, not just the benefits to oneself.
Pexels/Boom

Source: Pexels/Boom

Practicing gratitude is fundamental to a flourishing life. On Thanksgiving and during the holiday season many of us naturally seem to make a conscious effort to be grateful, which is terrific. However, if feeling grateful only lasts a day or two, we will not necessarily reap the long term benefits that a grateful heart and mind can produce.

Of all the positive emotions, gratitude appears to be one of the most important for our overall well-being. Gratitude helps us focus on what we have, rather than lack. It turns our attention to the good, rather than dwelling on our many gripes in life.

Researchers have found that gratitude is foundational for healthy relationships. It’s the emotional glue that strengthens bonds. In fact, one study found that couples low in gratitude had a 50 percent chance of breaking up six months later than those higher in gratitude. In many relationships that fall apart, one or both individuals do not feel any type of gratitude from their partner. Instead, they often feel taken for granted.

We all naturally want to feel appreciated by our partner, our friends, family and colleagues. Gratitude is a great way for individuals to feel and express their appreciation to one another. Here are some reminders on how to practice gratitude today and every day.

  • Gratitude is a skill. While some of us appear to be naturally grateful, seeing the blessings bestowed upon us, many of us are not. As we discuss in Happy Together, the good news is that gratitude is a skill we can learn and practice. Like a muscle, it gets stronger the more we use it. Start noticing the good in life today. You can start small by being thankful for the sunshine, a hot cup of coffee, a warm shower. After a while, gratitude can become a regular habit where we train our brain to focus on the many gifts in life, rather than the gripes…

… keep reading the full & original article HERE