Expressing gratitude may come easy on Thanksgiving, but practicing gratitude in your day-to-day life also has several mental health benefits! In fact, gratitude not only reduces stress hormone cortisol levels in the body, but it also increases resilience in the face of negative experiences and emotional setbacks. In this article, we want to share some of the mental health benefits and methods of expressing gratitude that will increase your mental health today and beyond!
Here are some mental health benefits of expressing daily gratitude:
Improves Mood and Attitude
After conducting a large study at Virginia Commonwealth University, it was shown that thankfulness predicts a significantly lower risk of major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, phobia, nicotine dependence, alcohol dependence and drug abuse (When Looking for Happiness, Find Gratitude, NAMI). When we choose to think of things we are grateful for instead of ruminating on the things that we want or lack, we are much more likely to maintain a healthy head space. Then, when we have the space to invite positivity into our minds, we can more easily adopt a positive attitude.
Helps Build and Strengthen Relationships
Expressing gratitude is a great way to strengthen the relationships you have or want to have. For instance, giving a gift to a new friend or coworker can make them feel closer to you and encourage them to pursue a deeper relationship with you. Additionally, expressing gratitude within a relationship can help both parties become more comfortable communicating concerns which consequently strengthens the relationship. When we express gratitude, we not only invite positive feelings to exist within the relationship, but we foster real connection through positive communication.
Increases Satisfaction and Overall Contentment
In Philippians 4:8, there is a reason why Paul advises us to focus on things that are true, noble, pure, etc. This is because when we decide to think of these things, our negative feelings can change. Even when we are in the depths of depression, thinking of the lovely things in our lives can help remind us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even when we are in the midst of grief or loss, gratitude can help remind us of the love that was there and is there still.
Ways to Practice Gratitude
The good news is, there are many ways you can practice gratitude in your daily life. Writing a thank-you note, creating a list of things you’re thankful for, or even just thinking of and thanking someone mentally are all great gratitude practices! The important thing to remember is that gratitude starts in the mind. As the holiday season approaches, we encourage you to practice gratitude when it’s easy and when it’s hard. When we adopt this mentality, only then can we maintain a spirit of genuine celebration. So today, express your gratefulness to a loved one and ask them to pay it forward. Then, we can begin the work of healing each other, one heart and mind at a time.
