“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.”
— John Ortberg
Gratitude is the practice of thankfulness. Thankfulness is in the present moment while gratitude is more all encompassing and longer lasting. In fact, I like to think of the difference being that gratitude is an action we take, while thankfulness is an emotion we feel.
This topic is something that is harped on often enough that it can seem tiring at times. That in and of itself tells us that this is something important that we can’t ignore.
Benefits
There are three benefits to gratitude that I wanted to focus on, with the understanding that there are many, many more benefits that I’m not talking about. Check out my sources if you’d like to see some more comprehensive lists.
1- Gratitude Improves Physical Health
Grateful people report fewer illnesses, pains, and sleep better. They exercise more often which improves heart health and overall wellbeing. Gratitude also reduces the amount of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. Stress increases inflammation and overall worsens almost any illness.
2-Gratitude Improves Mental Strength
An article in Psychology Today mentions that Vietnam War veterans who practice gratitude actually report fewer PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms. Gratitude also results in greater resilience.
3-Gratitude Improves Mood
Gratitude decreases feelings of depression, resentment, and envy. It increases feelings of happiness, contentment, and awareness of others.
How to Practice Gratitude
So now that we know why we should bring gratitude into our lives, how do we do it? Here are a few ideas.
- Keep a gratitude journal where you write a few things daily
- Send thank you notes regularly to people you know
- Express gratitude in the moment (either in your head or verbally)
- Meditate upon the good things in your life
Conclusion
Gratitude is something that can change our lives for the better. Most importantly to remember is that gratitude is a PRACTICE. It’s not something you can perfect overnight. Part of the benefit of gratitude comes from the effort it takes to change and retrain our minds.
Try one of these ideas and let me know in the comments how it went.
