What is gratitude – Its meaning.

Gratitude is a very positive emotion that includes being very thankful and appreciative for every little thing in your life. It entails appreciating the positive aspect in one’s life, no matter how minor or large and recognizing them.

Quotation - a grateful heart is a magnet for  miracles

The power of gratitude : How Embracing Thankfulness Can Lead to a Happier Life

Gratitude is significantly correlated with happiness, as evidence by numerous studies in positive psychology. Experiencing gratitude enables people to be happier, enjoy wonderful moments, take better care of themselves, overcome obstacles, and make strong relationships. Here is how:

1. Help to combat anxiety related issues

mentally happy girl

Worrying and pessimistic thinking are common symptoms of anxiety; these thoughts are usually focused on past or potential future events. One coping mechanism for anxiety is gratitude. By keeping thoughts in the present , gratitude practice on regular basis helps combat negative thought patterns. It would be better to concentrate on the present and express gratitude for it rather than pondering and criticizing about the past or the future all the time. This is going to help you break free from all the negativity that has become ingrained in your head.

2. Promotes cardiac health

A good heart health

Numerous advantages of thankfulness also promote heart health. Heart disease risk can be decreased by improving sleep , diet , exercise , and depression symptoms. Numerous studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of gratitude on biomarkers linked to heart disease risk.

3. Reduces Stress

A girl posing happily

People who have a grateful mindset have higher life satisfaction, strong social ties, and higher self-esteem than those who don’t practice gratitude. Gratitude appears to lesson the symptoms of depression. However, it is quite likely that a consistent association exists between gratitude and reduced depressive symptoms, enabling individuals to appreciate what they have.

4. Better sleep

A peaceful sleep

Gratitude helps to improve sleep by reducing stress and all the thoughts, which can interfere with falling and staying asleep. By focusing on positive aspects of life , individuals experience lower levels of anxiety and depression. This mental shift promotes relaxation and a much more peaceful mind. Also, gratitude enhances overall well-being, creating a sense of contentment that gives a huge support to a sound sleep.

Tips for practicing gratitude

Gratitude journal
  1. Maintain a gratitude journal – Take some time out everyday to write down things that went well and good. So you can reflect or remind yourself everytime you look at the journal
  2. Express your gratitude – Appreciate and be thankful for the people in your life. Be it your friend, family member or any close one.
  3. Employ visual cues to remember- Use a positive quotation as a wallpaper of your screen , Place visual reminders of your blessings in your bedroom or at your workspace. This will help you to count on your blessings.
  4. Thanking in Advance – Just imagine things that you want are already there with you and be grateful for it. Like for an example if you want a good social circle , just keep thanking the universe in advance by saying ‘Thankyou you universe for a great social life’. These kind of positive self talk filling up the mind with positivity.
  5. Start Practicing mindfulness – Stop thinking much about the past or future. Start appreciating living in the present without any sort of judgements.

Having gratitude in your life can greatly improve your overall happiness and well-being. By developing an attitude of gratitude, you may strengthen your relationships, conquer all of life’s obstacles, and enhance your physical and mental well-being. Learn how to live a grateful life and witness the life-changing power of having a grateful heart.

By Ritika