Benefits of practicing gratitude

Carla Watson
Jul 4, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 24, 2024

There are many non conventional sources of healing. I’ve mention how sound or energy work can feel like medicine. Today I want to talk about how gratitude is medicine too.

Since the arrival of my child, even though we’ve blessed in many ways I have not escaped the rollercoaster of emotions and exhaustion motherhood can be. In fact I had a very difficult patch at a point but after a lot of work with professionals, pushing myself to seek for connection with community and nature, and an big conscious effort to reframe and practice gratitude I am back to a healthy and centred place.

And for some people struggling or going through the motions of life and motherhood, what worked for me may not work.

But after researching and doing the work that has helped me so much I cannot deny how Gratitude in fact has been part of my daily medicine and it is too for many others.

In fact, the effort to practice “gratefulness” can have vast positive effects.

“Gratitude is associated with a personal benefit that was not intentionally sought after, deserved, or earned but rather because of the good intentions of another person” (Emmons & McCullough, 2004).

Many studies have in the field of wellbeing have researched gratitude and it’s physical and mental health benefits:

Gratitude helps you improve your mood:

Practicing gratitude can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that improve mood.

Gratitude aids managing stress:

Gratitude helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, promoting a feeling of calm and well-being.

Practicing gratitude increases resilience:

Research shows how grateful people tend to be more resilient and able to handle adversity better.

Gratitude improves sleeping:

Feeling grateful before bed can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.

Practicing gratitude improves your relationships:

Gratitude strengthens relationships by fostering feelings of connection and mutual appreciation.

Gratitude strengthens self esteem:

Practicing gratitude can help improve self-esteem by focusing on the positive and valuing one's own qualities and achievements.

Practicing gratitude can improve the symptoms of depression:

Gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by shifting focus to positive aspects of life.

Being grateful increases mental positivity:

Helps cultivate a more positive and optimistic outlook on life.

Gratitude might strengthen your immune system:

People who practice gratitude regularly have stronger immune systems.

Practicing gratitude has a posible Impact in your heart health:

Gratitude can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

Being grateful increases your energy levels:

According to different sources being grateful can increase energy and vitality levels.

Being grateful aids with pain management:

Gratitude has been associated with a reduced perception of physical pain.

Gratitude improves self care:

Grateful people tend to take better care of their health, adopting healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Practicing gratitude aids physical healing:

Gratitude can speed recovery from illnesses and medical procedures by reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

Gratitude increases longevity:

The practice of gratitude is associated with a longer life expectancy due to its positive effects on mental and physical health.

Being more grateful has the potential to improve your sleep:

Better sleep has a positive effect on overall physical health, including improved immune function and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Practicing gratitude regularly can have a significant and positive impact on both your mental and physical health, improving overall quality of life.

If you want to guidance to help you practice gratitude everyday, you can purchase my first published physical book called “A year of gratefulness: journaling and self reflection”