As Thanksgiving approaches, the focus on gratitude and being thankful for others comes to mind. The research on understanding the impact of gratitude on health and relationships has also expanded over the last several years. Expressing gratitude on a consistent basis has been shown to positively impact important areas in one’s life including emotional wellbeing, physical health, and connectedness in relationships.
Research has shown that gratitude helps individuals connect to something larger than themselves whether this be people, nature, or a higher power of some kind. In the process of expressing gratitude, one is recognizing that there are positive forces that exist outside of oneself. Due to this, gratitude can help us become more social, develop deeper and healthier relationships, and improve emotional health. This is so important as positive social experiences and greater social supports have been shown to be related to improved coping ability across the lifespan.
Gratitude allows one to foster a sense of spirituality as well. Openness to exploring relationships with a higher power or value involves a process of creating and developing meaning, purpose, and direction in one’s life. Research around spirituality and mental health suggestions the relationship between spirituality and mental health is positive and helps individuals reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Research also shows that gratitude improves emotional well-being. Gratitude has been shown to magnify positive emotions by helping us appreciate the value in something, thus gaining more benefit from it. Gratitude also blocks negative emotions like resentment and regret. It also fosters resiliency and promotes self-worth.
Not only does gratitude positively impact emotional well-being, it also positively impacts physical well-being. Research shows that gratitude allows us to be healthier. Studies show those who express gratitude regularly often experience less physical pain, less physical symptoms related to health conditions, and have more energy. Those who express gratitude more frequently also tend to participate in activities that promote physical well-being such as exercise.
Having a better understanding of gratitude can allow us to lead healthier lives as we develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for what matters most. Additionally, gratitude allows us to maintain a sense of thankfulness and gratitude all year round, not just on Thanksgiving.
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