Gratitude is Good for Your Health

With all that we encounter on a daily basis, especially over the past as we continue to overcome the coronavirus pandemic, its normal to have some feelings of worry, anxiety or even being cynical. Now, when this occurs often, it can lead to depression, which in turn is linked to poor heart health, inflammation and a weaker immune system. 

Neuroscience experts believe that our tendency to focus on negative information, is a way to remember pain to avoid it in the future. This tendency is called the negativity bias and can impact how we think, feel, and act. Practicing gratitude allows us to disconnect from negative thoughts and emotions by shifting our attention on positive thoughts. 

Gratitude is defined as the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Gratitude involves the recognition of positive aspects of your life and giving thanks for how they affect you. As an effect, showing thankfulness has far reaching benefits, from improving your mental health and overall well-being, to boosting your relationships with others. 

Benefits of Practicing Gratitude 

Studies have shown that regularly practicing gratitude has significant impact to your health. 

• Improves physical and mental health
• Improves self-esteem 
• Promotes quality sleep 
• Improves resiliency
• Decreases levels of cellular inflammation 

Practicing gratitude  

There isn’t one correct way to practice gratitude, in fact you can practice gratitude in a multitude of ways to reap the health benefits.