Gratitude Really is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows.

[JohnS]

Do you remember being a kid, something bad happening to you and someone, probably your mother, father or grandparent telling you to, "count your blessings? And do you remember thinking that you could count your fingers, count chickens, but counting something as abstract as 'your blessings' wasn't so simple?

Of course, as adults, we become more aware of the concept the harder life's blows 'hit us', but does 'counting our blessings' or simply put, being grateful, help? And if it does, in what way? 

Well, an academic study cited in the article below states that it does. Read on...

Gratitude Really is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows.

Two decades ago, a landmark study led by the psychologist Robert A. Emmons sought to understand how people benefit from gratitude, a question that scientists had rarely explored until then.

Dr. Emmons’s findings — which suggested that gratitude may improve psychological well-being — inspired a spate of additional research. To date, numerous studies have found that having a grateful outlook, “counting one’s blessings” and expressing gratitude to others can have positive effects on our emotional health as well as on interpersonal and romantic relationships.

“Gratitude heals, energizes and changes lives,” Dr. Emmons said. “It is the prism through which we view life in terms of gifts, givers, goodness and grace.”

Gratitude is a positive emotion that can arise when you acknowledge that you have goodness in your life and that other people — or higher powers, if you believe in them — have helped you achieve that goodness.

In other words, the sources of the good things “lie at least partially outside the self,” Dr. Emmons said.  You might feel gratitude when someone is kind to you, for example.

But “feeling it is only half the equation,” said Philip Watkins, a professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University.  Expressing gratitude is equally important to reap the benefits of this emotion, he said.

Many studies have asked participants to write letters of thanks, or to list the positive things in their lives, and then measured the effects of those acts.

The results suggest that performing these types of activities provides mental health benefits — reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, increasing self-esteem and improving satisfaction with daily life.

And not only does gratitude improve the well-being of the giver and the recipient, but it may also be good for those who witness it: Watching an act of gratitude between two people can cause an observer to feel more warmth and affinity toward them both.

“What impresses me are the objective, biologically verifiable outcomes that go beyond self-report measures,” Dr. Emmons said. For example, gratitude has also been associated with lower blood pressure, and, in one pilot study, higher levels of heart rate variability, a marker of well-being.

“Gratitude seems to be the gift that keeps on giving,” Dr. Algoe said.

To develop an enduring gratitude habit, try linking your gratitude practice to an already ingrained routine, Dr. Wong said. He chooses to think about what he’s grateful for in the morning.

Gretchen Schmelzer, a psychologist in Philadelphia who regularly incorporates gratitude exercises into her work with clients, said it could be especially useful during difficult times. Earlier this year, she fell while hiking and broke both legs, leading her to use a wheelchair for six weeks.

To avoid spiraling into negative thoughts while she continues to heal, she tells herself each day to “be thankful for what you can do — and not let yourself focus on what you can’t do,” she said.  “Gratitude allows us to look at what we do have and to feel abundance,” she added.

Finally, although many studies have shown the value of writing a letter expressing appreciation, it doesn’t have to be lengthy or time-consuming. A quick email or text can do the trick.

Source: https://livewell.org/gratitude-really-is-good-for-you-heres-what-the-science-shows/

[riderpride]

Thank you for posting 

Cheers 

[PigFish]

I believe in all these things, but never put words to it. There are huge differences in people’s outlooks. As I see it, the ‘settled, happy ones’ are grateful and the others, generally lesser.

I have so many examples to share I would not know where to start.

Great share John! I am grateful!😉

[joeypots]

I was encouraged to cultivate an attitude of gratitude by some people I shared a house with years ago. I start with the basics and remember that I’m fed, warm, dry, and have a roof over my head.  Life could be a lot worse and being aware that the basics are covered always helps keep things in perspective.

[MickVanWinkle]

When I first met my wife, I told her about my habit of making a gratitude list each night.  At the time, this ‘habit’ was a bit of spiritual peacocking (more like once or twice a week).

Here we are, five years later and our shared nightly routine of reciting ‘3 things’ of gratitude has had a profound impact on my outlook and attitude.  It has saved many days from negativity and tunnel visioned ruts.

[99call]

I think gratitude is great. But I think digging into the reasons why is extremely interesting. I am not religious. I do not judge people who are, but I do think the stats surrounding religion and successful people are quite eye opening. Some have speculated that churches, mosques, synagogues are hubs of business and nepotism which I believe is true to some degree. The idea that gratitude is often related to submission to a higher power. I.e. as long as you walk within the lines as directed, you will be protected. You can also submit the heavy burden of worry and toxic stress.

This is where I think there is great power and focus gained through being religious. You do not have to constantly wrestle with your own conscious, it's effectively outsourced.

I do not have it immediately to hand. But I have read really interesting hypothesis around this subject. I.e. gratitude, religion and a success.

I don't think I will ever be religious, but often feel jealous of the mental freedom to disconnect from the bigger picture, and to feel as if everything is in hand. 

Without worry. There would be so much time in the rest of the day.

[BostonRich]

Nice post! I too am very grateful for what I have. I live in the US and I would be considered "lower middle class". This means that compared to millions of people around the world I live in complete luxury and I feel very lucky. I don't drive a new car and I take domestic vacations but I am happy with what I have.

Hell, I can even afford some good cigars from time to time, life is good!

[99call]

6 hours ago, BostonRich said:

. I live in the US and I would be considered "lower middle class". This means that compared to millions of people around the world I live in complete luxury and I feel very lucky.

Yep. To acknowledge we have won the lottery just in being born in a specific country or social strata does really put things in perspective. In addition to being grateful for our luck. I thinks it's also important to sympathise with, help and understand those who have been unlucky. 

[BostonRich]

6 hours ago, 99call said:

Yep. To acknowledge we have won the lottery just in being born in a specific country or social strata does really put things in perspective. In addition to being grateful for our luck. I thinks it's also important to sympathise with, help and understand those who have been unlucky. 

Agree 100%. Hopefully the former leads to the latter.

[joeypots]

20 hours ago, 99call said:

Yep. To acknowledge we have won the lottery just in being born in a specific country or social strata does really put things in perspective. In addition to being grateful for our luck. I thinks it's also important to sympathise with, help and understand those who have been unlucky. 

I’d rather be lucky than smart.