You might be reading this and think gratitude benefits is just another one of those positive psychology strategies. Or believe that personality determines whether or not you see the glass half full or half empty. I mean aren’t some people just wired to see the sunny side of life, while others see potential problems at every turn?  

In the past I used to call myself a realist. I certainly wasn’t going to identify as being a pessimist. 

Looking back I can see how my view of the world shaped my life. You see I needed to be ‘on alert’ at all times – prepared for what might or could go wrong. So I was rarely in the present moment, and didn’t even know it. 

Today I consider my gratitude, self-compassion and mindfulness practices as crucial elements of my emotional, mental and physical well-being. Because the potential benefits are backed up by science – more than 40 studies! 

Change how you see the world and change your life! 

Checkout the 7 Gratitude Benefits below:

1.  Increased optimism, enthusiasm, alertness, determination, creativity, and energy. Studies show that our perspective on life is more influential than our actual life situation. This means less depression and stress.

In fact research indicates that people who develop an attitude of
gratefulness are less likely to develop a mental illness

2.  Stronger immune system and increased lifespan. Some studies have revealed that a ‘gratitude practice’ can reduce our levels of pain, how often we visit the doctor, and lower our blood pressure.

3.  Stronger self esteem and less self-centered feelings and behavior. This means we are more likely to be focused on what really matters in life, such as family and friends.

4.  Faster ability to get to sleep at night, and significantly better quality and duration of sleep.

5.  Helps us make more friends, improve our personal relationships and strengthen our social connections. Studies show when we ‘practice gratitude’ we are more likely to be liked, trusted, and appreciated by others.

6.  Greater progress towards achieving personal planned goals. Its only one study – but what an exciting prospect.

7.  Feel happy more often. It seems our basic level of happiness is set at a predetermined point. This means that it rises when you feel happy and drops when you feel sad, and then returns to your set-point. The good news is you can raise your ‘happiness set-point’ by practicing gratefulness – how cool is that! 

When you are grateful you are automatically present-in-the-moment. And when you are present you are more likely to experience peace, joy, contentment, and feel satisfied.

Start Experiencing the Gratitude Benefits in Your Life

Set aside 2 to 5 minutes at the end of each day to WRITE or SAY 3 -5 interesting things that made you feel good. It really is that simple. Forget New Year resolutions you can start today.

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” ~ Germany Kent