5 Surprising Health Benefits of Gratitude

Many people feel that Thanksgiving is the only time one should practice Gratitude! This is far from the truth. Numerous studies have indicated that Gratitude should be a year round habit. It takes a little bit of introspecting to enjoy the many mental benefits of Gratitude. Here are five surprising benefits you can gain from developing an attitude of gratitude.

Benefit #1 – More Patience

Northeastern University researchers have found that those who had shown gratitude for the little things in life, had develped certain qualities. They had become more patient, and were able to make more sensible decisions compared to those who had not. Feeling Grateful had made these changes.

Benefit #2 –Improved Relationships

According to a recent study published in the Journal Of Theoretical Social Psychology, feeling grateful towards your partner, and vice versa, can improve many aspects of your relationship.

This includes stronger feelings of connectedness and overall satisfaction as a couple. Being grateful for each other can significantly help your love life.

Benefit #3 – Improved Sleep

Feeling grateful can help you sleep better and for longer. This happens most likely because you have more positive thoughts before you go to sleep. This in turn happens because you have helped soothe the nervous system. Studies have shown that it is best to write down your gratitude in a sheet of paper or better still, in a journal, right before you go to bed.

Benefit #4 – Eases Depression

Gratitude is powerful. Recent studies have shown that by practicing the "three good things" exercise daily, you can see considerable improvements in depression and overall happiness, sometimes in as little as a few weeks. The activity prompts you to think of three good things or moments that happened during the day.

Benefit #5 – Gives You Happiness that Lasts

There are many ways you can get a boost of happiness. It could be a compliment or a sugary treat. Alas! These methods are, at best, temporary. This form of instant gratification will disappear soon and leave you wanting more!

To get a more sustainable from of happiness, try Gratitude. It isn't based on concepts of instant gratification, but is instead based on state of mind. If you invest a little time in expressing gratitude everyday, for the little things in your life, you are more likely to see long-lasting happiness.

Gratitude does not take time, money or fancy equipment to practice. All it needs is a few minutes a day to show your thanks. But this practice can have huge benefitson your mental and physical health.