Gratitude: A Prescription for a Healthier You

Published on Wednesday, October 04, 2023 by Deanna Salles-Freeman

The Science Behind Gratitude: How It Boosts Health and Happiness

A Spoonful of Thanks.

Life can be a rollercoaster of highs and lows, a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs. But amidst the chaos, there's a simple yet powerful tool that can work wonders for your health and happiness: gratitude. That's right, counting your blessings isn't just a warm and fuzzy sentiment; it's a science-backed strategy to boost your well-being.

From the soothing aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the contagious laughter of a friend, expressing gratitude for life's little pleasures can bring about a plethora of health benefits. According to a 2015 study, practicing gratitude can improve mood and psychological well-being. So, next time you find yourself savoring your morning cup of joe, take a moment to be present and mindful -- appreciating the rich aroma and the energy it brings to your day.

Not Just Mental

But wait, there's more! The positive effects of gratitude aren't just confined to mental health. Your physical health gets a boost, too. According to research, grateful individuals tend to engage in healthier lifestyle choices, like exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. It's like having a magic elixir that nudges you toward the carrots instead of the French fries.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

It’s magic!

You might wonder, "How exactly does gratitude work its magic?" Well, it's all about brain chemistry. When you experience gratitude, your brain releases a surge of feel-good neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. These brain chemicals not only make you feel happier but also help regulate stress and anxiety.

In fact, studies have found that individuals who kept a gratitude journal for just two weeks exhibited significant reductions in depression and increased levels of overall well-being. And to top it off, gratitude just may be the fountain of youth, too. It is associated with better sleep quality and longer sleep duration. And we all know that a good night's sleep is like hitting the reset button on your body, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle the day with gusto.

4 Simple Ways

So, how can you incorporate more gratitude into your life? Here are a few simple ideas:

Gratitude Journal. Dedicate a few minutes daily to list three things you're grateful for. Whether it's a sunny day or a heartfelt conversation, noting down your blessings can set a positive tone for your day.
Express Your Thanks. Don't hold back! Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them. A heartfelt "thank you" can create ripples of positivity in your relationships.
Mindful Moments. During your daily routine, pause and savor the little things. Enjoy the taste of your meals, relish the warmth of a shower, and cherish the company of your furry friend.
Volunteer. Giving back to your community or helping others in need can amplify feelings of gratitude. Plus, your positive impact on others' lives is an incredible source of joy.

A Mosaic of Moments

So there you have it, the gratitude prescription for a healthier and happier you. From boosting your mood to enhancing your sleep quality, practicing gratitude is like a multivitamin for your well-being. It's a simple practice that costs nothing but reaps tremendous rewards. So go ahead, sprinkle a little gratitude into your life, and watch the magic unfold.

Remember, life is a mosaic of moments, big and small. Each one holds a nugget of goodness, and by acknowledging them with gratitude, you're weaving a tapestry of wellness that's bound to bring a smile to your heart and a spring to your step.

I see you, and YOU are beautiful!

_{Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.84.2.377}
_{Hill, P. L., Allemand, M., & Roberts, B. W. (2013). Examining the pathways between gratitude and self-rated physical health across adulthood. Personality and Individual Differences, 54(1), 92–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2012.08.011}
_{Kini, P., Wong, J., McInnis, S., Gabana, N., & Brown, J. W. (2016). The effects of gratitude expression on neural activity. NeuroImage, 128(26746580), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.12.040}
_{Mills, P. J., Redwine, L., Wilson, K., Pung, M. A., Chinh, K., Greenberg, B. H., Lunde, O., Maisel, A., Raisinghani, A., Wood, A., & Chopra, D. (2015). The role of gratitude in spiritual well-being in asymptomatic heart failure patients. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 2(1), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000050}