How is our well-being linked to gratitude?
Life consists of an infinite flow of energy. The energy can take different forms, can be given and received. We, as human beings, always crave more; more understanding, better relationships, more recognition, better life, etc. What do we give in return for what we get, and do we really give much? We often concentrate on what we are lacking and so little on what we already have. We often push ourselves to have more. In the eternal search for future something, we forget the importance of being grateful.
What is gratitude? What does it do for us? What part of life does it participate in? “psychologists contend that gratitude is more than feeling thankful for something, it is more like a deeper appreciation for something (someone) which provides longer lasting positivity.” According to Harvard Medical School, “with gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives … As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals.”
It seems that gratitude has a lot of benefits. So maybe we should bring a general state of thankfulness into our lives. Here is why. When we win something unexpected, we become incredibly grateful and excited. Why is that? To me, it’s because we didn’t put much effort into it, it happened on its own, which is a very pleasant feeling.
Interestingly, most of us don’t feel the same when we or someone else had to work hard for something. Why is that? Because we are seeing the results of our labor or someone else’s efforts. What if we were as thankful for getting what we or someone else worked for as much as we are for winning/unexpectedly getting something. Wouldn’t it be fairer to us and others?
Moreover, the positive feelings produced from that would encourage us to try and work harder next time and to be more appreciative of people around. Instead, we just take for granted the fact that our labor brought great results and don’t always value the effort of others. According to research, gratitude leads to internal motivation and an external necessity to return a favor. So it seems that expressing gratitude to yourself and others encourages to do more and brings more benefits into life.
Here are some of the benefits that have been studied:
✔️Optimism: research into the effects of gratitude practices found that “after 10 weeks, the people who had focused on gratitude in their lives showed significantly more optimism in many areas of their lives, including health and exercise”.
Well-being: “Studies show that grateful people are more agreeable, more open, and less neurotic. Furthermore, gratitude is related negatively to depression and positively to life satisfaction.”
✔️Self-control: stronger discipline and focus; positive emotion such as gratitude increased self-control and reduced impatience and impulsivity.
Relationships: stronger and more satisfying as a result of gratitude.
✔️Happiness: “in the pursuit of happiness and life satisfaction, gratitude is showing a direct and long-lasting effect!”
By expressing gratitude, we give the energy to support the important life cycle. While we do that, we receive much more in return. Why don’t we acknowledge ourselves as our own benefactor more frequently? Doesn’t it also feel right to recognize someone else for benefiting you in some way? Let’s try to welcome gratitude into our lives and be thankful every day, not just around Thanksgiving or holiday time!
Where would you start?
What are the 5 things you are grateful for today?
Reference: What is Gratitude and What Is Its Role in Positive Psychology? (2017, February 28)