Reasons why you should practice gratitude

Gratitude is a word that gets tossed around a lot in the wellness community, but what does it really mean? More importantly, why is it so powerful?

As someone who tends to be skeptical and has a darker sense of humor, I initially found the concept of gratitude a bit cringey (yes, I know). But as it turns out. gratitude is a practice rooted in ancient traditions and supported by modern research. Historically, gratefulness has been an integral part of various cultural and religious practices, dating back thousands of years. 

Recent studies show that practicing gratitude can significantly improve mental health, enhance relationships, and boost overall well-being. This age-old practice proves its value far beyond being just a trend on social media.

The Science Behind Gratitude

Gratitude practice has gained significant attention recently. Numerous studies highlight its benefits. Psychiatrists and neuroscientists have extensively researched how gratitude affects the brain and overall well-being.

Dopamine and Serotonin

When you practice gratefulness, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are crucial for mood regulation​. Dr. Alex Korb, a neuroscientist and author of "The Upward Spiral," explains that gratitude boosts serotonin and activates the brain stem to produce dopamine. Thinking about things you are grateful for forces you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. This simple act can increase dopamine production, enhancing your mood.

Cortisol Reduction

A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research by Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Dr. Michael E. McCullough found that participants who kept a gratitude journal reported lower cortisol levels. Practicing gratitude can help reduce stress and its physical impacts on the body.

In their study, participants wrote down things they were grateful for over several weeks. The results showed a reduction in cortisol levels and improved mood and well-being.

The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

Mental Health Improvements

Practicing gratitude can significantly improve mental health. A study conducted by Dr. Martina Reynolds at the University of Manchester found that regular gratitude practice reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Reynolds’ study involved participants who kept gratitude journals and those who did not. Those who practiced gratitude showed a marked decrease in depressive symptoms and anxiety levels. Acknowledging and writing down things you are grateful for can significantly impact your mental health.

Enhanced Relationships

Gratitude can strengthen your relationships. Dr. Sara Algoe, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina, conducted a study showing that expressing gratitude to a partner enhances relationship satisfaction and mutual trust.

Algoe's research highlights that expressing gratitude fosters positive feelings and strengthens bonds. Partners who frequently expressed and received gratitude felt more connected and satisfied in their relationships.

Physical Health Benefits

Gratitude can also improve your physical health. A study by Dr. Jochen Gebauer at the University of Mannheim found that grateful people tend to take better care of themselves. They exercise more and have better sleep quality.

Gebauer’s research involved a large sample size and diverse demographics. Participants who regularly practiced gratitude reported fewer physical ailments, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system.

My Journey with Gratitude

The Initial Hesitation

As someone who tends to be a bit negative, the idea of practicing gratitude felt unnatural to me. I often joke about my pessimism, but deep down, I knew I needed a change.

The Turning Point

After discovering the substantial evidence supporting gratitude practices, I realized it wasn't just a fluffy concept. It was a powerful tool for better mental health.

Starting the Practice

I started small. Each night, my partner and I would share three things we were grateful for that day. At first, it felt forced and a bit silly. But over time, I noticed a shift in my mindset. I didn't go from being a hard pessimist to radiating positivity right away, but I began to focus more on the positive things happening in my life each day.

How to Start Practicing Gratitude

Journaling

One of the simplest ways to practice gratitude is through journaling. Keep a notebook by your bedside and write down at leasst three things you're grateful for each night. This can be anything from a kind gesture from a friend to a delicious meal you enjoyed. By creating a gratitude list, you can consistently remind yourself of the positives in your life.

Verbal Expressions

If you're short on time, share three things you're grateful for with your partner before bed. This not only helps you practice gratitude but also strengthens your relationship. You can start by saying, "Today I am grateful for..." and fill in the blank.

Digital Tools

There are various apps available that can help you keep track of your gratitude practice. These apps can send you reminders and make it easier to maintain a consistent practice. Most apps also offer prompts like "I am grateful for..." to help you get started.

The 4 A's of Gratitude

Gratitude can be cultivated through intentional practices. One approach to fostering gratitude is the 4 A's of Gratitude. This concept helps deepen your gratitude practice and make it more impactful. Each "A" represents a crucial aspect of the gratitude practice that helps deepen your appreciation and reinforce positive behavior patterns.

What are the 4 A's of Gratitude?

1. Acknowledge: Recognize the positive aspects of your life and the efforts of others. For example: At the end of a work project, acknowledge the hard work and contributions of your colleagues, noting specific efforts they made.
2. Appreciate: Show appreciation for the small and big things in life. For example: Appreciate a beautiful sunset or a kind word from a stranger by taking a moment to truly savor and reflect on those experiences. For example: 
3. Affirm: Affirm your gratitude by expressing it verbally or in writing. Remind someone how thankful you are for the things they've done for you. 
4. Act: Take action to demonstrate your gratitude through kind deeds. For example: Help a friend or someone in need without expecting anything in return.

Daily Gratitude prompts

If you're not sure where to start, here are ten simple prompts to help you reflect on your day and recognize the positive moments.

• What made you smile today?
• Who helped you today and how?
• What is something beautiful you saw today?
• What was the best part of your meal today?
• What made you feel good today?
• Who did you enjoy spending time with today?
• What is something you accomplished today?
• What was a kind gesture you received today?
• What is a positive experience you had today?
• What is one thing you learned today?

Tips for Maintaining a Gratitude Practice

How do I practice gratitude?

1. Be Specific: Instead of writing “I’m grateful for my family,” write “I’m grateful for my partner for cooking dinner tonight.”
2. Consistency is Key: Make it a daily habit. The more consistent you are, the more benefits you’ll reap.
3. Reflect on Challenges: Sometimes, looking back on challenges and finding something to be grateful for can be incredibly powerful.
4. Involve Others: Encourage your family and friends to join you in your gratitude practice.
5. Use the 4 A's: Incorporate the 4 A's of Gratitude into your practice to deepen your experience and make it more impactful.

Why Gratefulness Matters

Key Takeaways

Gratefulness has a significant impact on various aspects of life. Here are the main benefits summarized:

• Boosts Mental Health: Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Strengthens Relationships: Enhances relationship satisfaction and trust.
• Improves Physical Health: Promotes better sleep, exercise habits, and overall health.
• Reduces Stress: Lowers cortisol levels, helping manage stress more effectively.
• Enhances Mood: Increases the release of dopamine and serotonin, boosting happiness.

Long-Term Benefits

Practicing gratitude can lead to long-term improvements in your overall well-being. It helps you develop a positive mindset, reduces stress, and improves your relationships. Over time, these benefits compound, leading to a happier, healthier life.

Conclusion

Gratitude may seem like a simple practice, but its impact on your mental and physical health is profound. As someone who was initially skeptical, I can attest to the benefits of incorporating gratitude into your daily routine. Whether through journaling, verbal expressions, or digital tools, there are many ways to start practicing gratitude.

So, are you ready to give gratitude a try? Light a candle, grab your journal, and start your list. Let me know how it goes!

Resources

Korb, A. (2015). The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time. New Harbinger Publications.

Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). "Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-being in Daily Life." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.

Reynolds, M., et al. (2011). "The Impact of Gratitude on Depression and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Journal of Positive Psychology. 

Algoe, S. B., et al. (2013). "The Social Functions of the Emotion of Gratitude Via Expression." Emotion Review, 5(1), 13-19. 

Gebauer, J. E., et al. (2011). "The Health Benefits of Gratitude: Trait Gratitude Predicts Healthy Activities and Physical Health." Journal of Health Psychology, 14(3), 329-338.