Benefits of Gratitude

/

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude may be a new or difficult concept for some, especially on a bad day where everything seems to be going wrong. Perhaps your car didn’t start, you spilled your tea or coffee on your way to work, or a cold is running through your household like wildfire. On these days, gratitude may be the furthest thing from your mind, but like any skill, it gets easier with practice. And practicing gratitude can lead to many positive outcomes, both physically and mentally.   

Physical benefits of practicing gratitude include:

  • Improved sleep

  • Prevents overeating

  • Extended lifespan

  • Aids in keeping glucose levels under control

  • Helps patients with heart illness 

Mental/Psychological benefits of practicing gratitude include:

  • Boosts self-confidence

  • Increases optimism

  • Improves resiliency

  • Helps battle depression and addiction

  • Improves mood

Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D. compiled a list of these scientifically proven benefits of gratitude along with many other benefits as well as data and anecdotes. For instance, Bouchrika claims that practicing gratitude makes humans less materialistic. He then cites a study that found “practicing gratitude brings the focus toward intangible but more valuable things in life that contribute to the overall well-being, such as accomplishing goals, fostering healthy relationships, nurturing career growth, maintaining a positive outlook in life, and more.” He also asserts that gratitude helps in the workplace for many reasons because gratitude creates a sense of fulfilment. Employees find meaning and purpose in their work when they feel they are genuinely appreciated for the work that they do.

There is no right or wrong way to practice gratitude. However, we do have some suggestions to help cultivate your practice. One way to practice gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Set a few minutes aside each day to reflect on three things you are grateful for. Be specific! The little things add up. Maybe you got a nice text from someone you care about, or it’s a beautiful, sunny day. Another way to practice gratitude is to write thank-you notes (or thank-you texts emails). Thanking people who have helped you in some way helps cultivate an attitude of gratitude, strengthen relationships, and helps you to appreciate your friends and allies. There are many ideas about how to practice gratitude with fun gratitude activities for adults (and kids)!

At the Princeton-Blairstown Center we are thankful for so many things.

  • The opportunity to help students learn, grow, and lead.

  •  Our beautiful Blairstown Campus.

  • Wonderful colleagues and friends.

And we are thankful for everyone who supports us with their time, treasure, and expertise. We would not be able to do what we do, without you. Thank you.