Thankfulness and its Benefits
Thankfulness is a mental state where you are grateful for the things that happen in your life, even when it seems like something bad is happening. This practice can be especially helpful when struggling with anxiety or depression because it is often hard to consciously notice the good that surrounds us.
Gratitude and Physical Health
Gratitude is also important for physical health, according to various studies. It has been associated with increased sleep quality, improved energy levels, and a longer lifespan. It can also lead to greater social and emotional wellbeing.
Gratitude and Mental Health
When we have gratitude, we tend to view the world through a positive lens and are more likely to be compassionate towards others and show empathy. This translates into better mental health, which can be especially helpful for those who are suffering from anxiety or depression.
Gratitude and Physical Well-being
Grateful people are also more likely to take steps to improve their physical health. They are more likely to make healthier food choices and exercise more. They are also less likely to smoke, drink, or engage in other risky behaviors that can negatively impact their health and overall well-being.
Gratitude and Social Networks
Moreover, gratitude helps create social networks that promote better communication, support, and care among friends, family, and neighbors. This concept is based on Fredrickson's broaden and build theory, which posits that individuals who express gratitude can encourage others to do the same in return. This process is referred to as the "recognition of shared resources and the need for reciprocity."
Gratitude and Religion
In addition, gratitude can strengthen bonds between members of the same species. This concept is a central part of many religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is believed that these faiths have incorporated a sense of thankfulness into their teachings and ceremonies (Emmons & Crumpler, 2000).
Recognizing Our Strengths
It also helps us to recognize our own strengths, which are often times hidden from view. This can be especially helpful for those who are struggling with depression or anxiety, as it helps them to see that they have many resources and abilities that other people do not have.
Practicing Thankfulness
To practice thankfulness, you can begin by simply thinking about the good in your life. You can do this before you get out of bed in the morning or when you are feeling down and need some positivity in your life.
You can also jot down a few of the things you are grateful for on paper to remind yourself of what you are thankful for throughout the day. You can even write down a letter of gratitude and send it to someone who is special to you.
This is an easy way to start a gratitude practice and is a great practice for children, too! Try to ask them to jot down a few things that they are thankful for as well, so they can start to recognize the things they have in their lives.
Practicing gratitude can be as simple as writing down three things you are thankful for, or as complex as starting a gratitude journal where you note down everything you are grateful for. Regardless of the way you choose to practice gratitude, you will be on your way to a happier and healthier life!
