You may have heard that a gratitude practice, intentionally showing appreciation for the things in life that are meaningful to you, is good for your mental health. But did you know that it’s not just common sense? Science shows that a gratitude practice can actually make you happier. Keep reading to learn more about gratitude, what the research shows, and how to cultivate gratitude in your own life.
What is Gratitude?
Simply put, gratitude is being thankful. Gratitude can be applied to things external to ourselves, such as friends and family, life circumstances, or a higher power. It can also be applied to internal qualities, such as our health, our experiences, or our character traits and virtues. We can be grateful for the past, the present, and the future (by feeling hope or optimism). Anyone and everyone can practice gratitude.
Gratitude Research
In one gratitude study,* conducted by two psychologists at the University of California, participants were assigned to one of three groups. During the 10-week study, they were assigned to write about a particular topic each week. In one group, they wrote about things they were grateful for. In another group, they wrote about negative events, and in the third group, they wrote about things that affected them without emphasizing them being positive or negative. After 10 weeks, the group that focused on gratitude felt more positive about their lives. An unexpected result for the group that focused on gratitude: they exercised more and visited the doctor less!
In another study* out of the University of Pennsylvania, participants were assigned to write and deliver a letter of gratitude to someone they had never properly thanked. The results were clear: their happiness increased dramatically, and the benefits lasted for a month.
How to Cultivate Gratitude
You may not need studies to convince you that cultivating gratitude is good for you. Sometimes, all we need to do is remind ourselves to stick to the habit. Here are some simple ways you can cultivate gratitude in your own life:
- Set aside time daily to think about things for which you are grateful. Try to list at least three things, and mentally give thanks for them.
- Write thank-you notes. Everyone loves to receive thank-you notes, but it’s becoming less common for people to write them.
- Keep a journal. If you have time, write down the things for which you’re thankful. You can look back on your lists when you need a pick-me-up.
- Meditate or pray. Taking quiet moments to sit in silence allows you to meditate on what you’re thankful for or use prayer as a way to thank a higher power for the good things in your life. Do what works for you.
Practice Gratitude at Ginger Cove
At Ginger Cove, a premier life-care community located on beautiful Gingerville Creek, we have a bounty of amenities, activities, and a vibrant community for which to be thankful. Residents can enjoy our peaceful meditation garden, walking trails, faith services, and plenty of activities with their neighbors. Schedule a tour at Ginger Cove today to see the benefits of life with us.
*https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier