Aging Well
Regularly practicing gratitude can yield a number of health benefits.
Understanding Gratitude
Gratitude is the state of being thankful for the good in one’s life and can be a powerful practice for health and wellness. Research shows that expressing gratitude releases dopamine and serotonin in the brain, chemicals that contribute to feelings of happiness, and is associated with positive effects in both mental and physical health.
Health Benefits of Gratitude
There are many health benefits of gratitude, which include:
- Relieved stress and anxiety. Gratitude can help lower your heart rate and regulate breathing, which calms the nervous system during times of stress. It also combats anxiety by keeping thoughts focused on the present and its positive aspects.
- Reduced symptoms of depression. A grateful mindset is linked to higher satisfaction with life and promotes optimistic thinking about one’s future, which may reduce symptoms of depression.
- Better sleep. Lower levels of stress and anxiety can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. Focusing on grateful thoughts at bedtime can help relax the mind and promote better sleep.
- Improved heart health. According to the American Heart Association, daily practice of gratitude can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
How to Practice Gratitude
To reap the benefits of gratitude, it’s important to make it a regular practice that will, in time, become habit. Here are some ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine:
- Set aside time to write down what you are thankful for in a gratitude journal.
- Redirect negative thoughts by identifying a positive aspect of your situation that you are grateful for.
- When you find yourself feeling grateful for a person in your life, send them a text or write a thank-you note.
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. As managing editor for CMC Media & Marketing Group, she is responsible for the development and completion of 16 publications involving health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. Additionally, Rachel has led digital marketing initiatives for CMC Media & Marketing Group as well as the development of content for the introduction of Choose Huntsville™, Huntsville Resource & Relocation Guide™ for Huntsville, Alabama.
