Why Gratitude?
Published Nov 14, 2023
By Rachael Nitz
Gratitude is amazing!
It affects aspects of your life you never would have thought.
Gratitude expression came into my life through a challenge and I didn’t actually think it would do what it did for me. Let’s be honest… I did it to win the free stuff (and I didn’t win the stuff but I won a lot more)!
Have you ever tried repairing your mental health?
When you are bound and determined to put yourself in a better mental state, sometimes it can have the opposite effect.
Learning something as simple as gratitude has had an affect on my:
-Physical health
People who regularly express their gratitude report having less aches and pains, feel healthier overall and get more exercise regularly.
Physically I felt like this fog had lifted from my brain and I could think clearer.
I had more control over my eating habits and felt like I was performing better.
-Psychological health
People who express gratitude are generally happier and can reduce their depression symptoms.
I could feel myself not stressing over the small stuff.
I really focused on holding onto the good things in life.
-Aggression reduction
Gratitude expression leads to less revenge seeking and, in general, being more sensitive and empathetic.
If you didn’t know, I have anger issues that are brought on by stress. When I feel stressed, I tend to lash out at whoever is closest to me.
In the moment, it releases so much pressure, but the after effect of yelling at someone I love…
Adding gratitude into my day made it easier for me to hold onto the things I love instead of allowing stress to control my thoughts and actions.
-Sleep improvement
A regular gratitude routine helps improve sleep and stimulates longer sleep.
I practice my gratitude prior to bed so instead of going to bed thinking about all the things I need to do or the things that didn’t get done or going over my next list, I was able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer because I was focusing on the things I want in my life.
-Mental Strength
People who are grateful are more resilient and can overcome trauma better. This can be very helpful in stressful situations.
I think I have mentioned this, but it needs to be mentioned again…
I am mentally in a much better place than I have probably ever been and I attribute that to consistent gratitude expression.
-Increase self-esteem
Appreciating another person’s accomplishments has been shown to increase one’s own self-esteem.
Since adding this practice into my routine, I feel like a better person. It really is hard to describe, but I don’t let the “small things” affect who I know I am now.
I am confident in the person I am and the work I am doing. My self-esteem has never been higher and I feel like I can accomplish anything!
Look at how many benefits can come from expressing gratitude REGULARLY.
And guess what?!? It’s so easy to implement in your life.
Set aside time each day to think about the things you are thankful for, the things you would not want to do life without, the people who love having. Shoot for 3 every day and keep adding to the list. You’ll be surprised what you bring into your life when you focus on what is good!
