Mental Health Is… Gratitude

Gratitude is a surprisingly powerful force. But what does it mean to be grateful? Gratitude is often defined as the expression of a deep appreciation for something or someone that is given freely without expecting anything in return.

Showing appreciation and gratitude for the things and people in our lives can help us adapt to change, cope with difficulties, regulate our emotions and improve our mental and physical well-being. Here are some benefits and tips to help you practice gratitude and lead a grateful life.

Benefits of practicing gratitude

Research studies have shown that gratitude can have a number of positive benefits for our lives. In fact, gratitude can:

• Strengthen our relationships. Expressing gratitude for the people we care about can help us deepen and strengthen our relationships with friends, family members and coworkers. Giving thanks and acknowledging the contributions of those around us can also provide us with opportunities to build new relationships. For instance, you may show appreciation for a coworker who helped you on a project or a family member who took care of the dishes.

• Improve our mental health. Practicing gratitude can be an effective way to manage and reduce stress, improve our mood and foster optimism. It can also help us build resilience and better handle difficult situations as they arise.

• Benefit our physical health. Over time, gratitude can also have positive effects on our physical well-being, including improved sleep, self-image, cardiovascular function and more. 

Ways to practice gratitude

Like most good habits, expressing gratitude can take some practice. Here are a few different ways you can incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. Try them all or choose the one that feels like the best fit for you.

Keep in mind that it’s okay to start small and build up your practice. You don’t need to dedicate a large amount of time to enjoy the benefits of expressing gratitude.