5 Ways Gratitude Can Improve Your Mental Health
Today, many of us have it pretty hard. We’re expected to be the best version of ourselves all the time, while also trying to deal with everything else that life throws at us. Of course, no one is capable of always maintaining a positive state of mind all the time. However, research shows that there are many upsides to being able to recognize and appreciate what you do have going for you. In other words, if you take the time to look at your situation with an open mind and a positive attitude, gratitude can transform from something challenging into something enlightening. To help you see the benefits of this transformation in your own life, here are 5 ways gratitude can improve your mental health:
Gratitude Improves Your Mood
Gratitude actually makes you happier! In one study, people who kept a daily gratitude journal reported being 5–15% happier than those who didn’t. For those who are struggling with low mood, writing down what you’re grateful for can help to boost your mood and make you feel more hopeful. If you’re experiencing depression, it can be helpful to Recognize and Accept the situation you’re in, before trying to think of something you could be grateful for. If you’re feeling anxious, it can also be helpful to Recognize and Accept that you may be experiencing anxiety, before trying to figure out why you might be anxious about the situation you’re in.
It Builds your Resilience
People with a high level of gratitude may also have a higher level of resilience. Resilience can be defined as the ability to bounce back after setbacks. If you find yourself in adversity, and feel overwhelmed or out of control, gratitude can help you to maintain your mental health and even build your resilience! Research shows that gratitude may help to reduce the effects of stress by helping us to recognize and accept what we do have going for us, while also emphasizing the importance of taking it one day at a time. For those who are trying to build resilience, it can be helpful to Recognize and Accept that you may be feeling overwhelmed, before trying to figure out why you might be feeling this way. For those who are trying to build resilience, it can be helpful to Identify the things that make you feel resilient, such as taking time for yourself and having healthy, pleasurable activities.
It Increases your Sense of Well-Being
Humans are social beings who thrive when they connect with others. Gratitude can help to promote this by increasing your sense of well-being. In one study, people who maintained a daily gratitude journal reported feeling, on average, 8–14% happier than those who didn’t. For those who are experiencing low levels of well-being, gratitude can help to boost your sense of well-being by helping you to recognize and accept what you already have, while also emphasizing the importance of taking care of yourself. For those who are experiencing high levels of well-being, gratitude can help to increase your sense of well-being by reminding you to appreciate what you have.
It Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Gratitude is correlated with lower levels of stress and anxiety, especially during stressful times in your life. Studies show that people who are more frequently and openly grateful are less likely to be stressed or anxious. For those who are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, gratitude can help to reduce your stress and anxiety by reminding you to accept the situation you’re in, while emphasizing the importance of taking care of yourself. For those who are experiencing low levels of stress or anxiety, gratitude can help to reduce your stress and anxiety by reminding you to appreciate what you already have, while emphasizing the importance of taking care of yourself.
It Enhances Relationships
Gratitude can also help to enhance your relationships. In one study, people who maintained a daily gratitude journal reported feeling, on average, 8–14% happier than those who didn’t. For those in relationships, gratitude can help to enhance your relationships by reminding you to appreciate your significant other, while emphasizing the importance of taking care of yourself.
Conclusion
The good news is that gratitude is something that you can easily incorporate into your life. It doesn’t take much effort and it can have a dramatic impact on your mental health. The first step is simply to make a commitment to yourself to keep a daily gratitude journal. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the many benefits of gratitude. Now that you have 5 ways gratitude can improve your mental health, start appreciating what you have today!
