With social media at our fingertips, we can easily peak into the glamorous lifestyles of not only the elite, but our own friends, family, and even casual acquaintances. Frustratingly, most images posted online tend to feature the most exciting and beautiful parts of a person’s life. Not a true gauge of their joy and contentment. Even so, we can easily become jealous of the perceived lifestyles of others, and discontent with our own. Giving thanks for what we already have builds contentment and frees us to enjoy the lives we have now. It’s not unreasonable or ridiculous to take a moment from the busyness of life to remember how much we have to be grateful for; it’s actually necessary, and can be beneficial for your physical and mental health, too.
There are countless studies on gratitude and its impact on physical and mental health. According to Harvard Health Publishing, studies on gratitude can’t necessarily prove without a shadow of a doubt that gratitude improves our health and well-being, “but most of the studies published on this topic support a strong association between gratitude and an individual’s well-being.” Some studies illustrate that gratitude can improve depression and suicidal thoughts, give you a better night’s sleep, and improve many other health functions. Researchers have also found that it can improve relationships: People who express gratitude for their partner feel more positive toward that person and more comfortable verbalizing concerns with their relationship.
Gratitude doesn’t necessarily change our circumstances. Rather, choosing to show gratitude to others and choosing to find things to be thankful for changes our outlook on life. It’s a conscious choice to shift thoughts away from the negative things in life to intentionally focus on the positives.
Simple Ways to Show Gratitude:
- Add “Please” and “Thank you” to your daily vocabulary: This sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how often those words can be used but aren’t.
- Start a Gratitude Journal: Make a goal of how often you want to write (i.e. daily before bed, weekly on Saturday mornings, etc.). Use specific details. Don’t overthink it. Start with a goal of 1-3 bullet points.
- Write a letter of gratitude to someone you appreciate: Consider doing this every few months. Not only will it encourage another person, but it will help us appreciate the treasured people we already have in our life.
“The more grateful I am the more beauty I see.” -Mary Davis
DISCLAIMER: This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding exercise and health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs. Before beginning any new exercise program it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.
