Living through the Pandemic was some of the most stressful and trying of most of our lives. I’m
sure that decades from now we will look back at this time with both sadness, pain, and angst.
But when we look at things in perspective-we will also be able to look at this time with many
positive and uplifting memories. This time of isolation has been one of personal growth and
introspection for many of us. It made us more self-reliant and allowed us to spend time on
ourselves than we ever have in the past. The time away from our families and friends made us
more acutely appreciative of them and allows us to cherish those special moments with them
even more than ever. For many of us- perhaps we started eating healthier, taking care better of
our bodies at home, read more, or perhaps started meditating or doing yoga. The old adage of
“a glass half empty or half full” was never brought to light more so than in the pandemic of
2021.
Last year this time I recall all the painful conversations that I was having with patients about not
being able to celebrate Thanksgiving with their loved ones. The hard decisions of having to
avoid time with children and parents were some of the most painful parts of the pandemic. But
thankfully-this year will be different and most of us will be able to return to those joyful
celebrations that have been the cornerstone of so many family memories.
With that in mind-I wanted to highlight the fact of why these emotions are so important and
why practicing gratitude doesn’t just feel wonderful but actually results in so many powerful
health benefits. There are plenty of reasons to practice gratitude, including benefits to your overall
mental health and well-being. Practicing gratitude can mean different things to different people.
From daily journaling to evening prayers, gratitude practice can take many forms. So let’s look
at 7 health benefits of being grateful:
1. Gratitude Make us happier
A study done by psychologists Emmons & McCullough in 2003 showed that by journaling for
five minutes a day about what we are grateful for can enhance our long-term happiness by over
10 ! It turns out that noticing what we already have can make us feel more positive about our
lives, which makes a simple sort of sense. The study showed that those who pay attention to
what is good in their life instead of what is bad are more likely to feel positively about their life
is likely to contribute to further longevity.
2. Gratitude improves physical health.
Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other
people, according to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences. Not
surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health. They exercise more
often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups, which is likely to contribute to further
longevity.
3. Gratitude improves psychological health.
Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and
regret. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the
link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively
increases happiness and reduces depression.
4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less
kindly, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked
higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative
feedback. They experienced more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a mind
5. Gratitude people sleep better.
Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied
Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful
sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.
6. Gratitude improves self-esteem.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude
increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies
have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward
people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful
people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.
7. Gratitude increases mental strength.
For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major
role in overcoming trauma. A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found
that Vietnam War veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of post-
traumatic stress disorder. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist
attacks on September 11. Recognizing all that you have to be thankful for —even during the
worst times—fosters resilience.
So in conclusion- remember that we all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate gratitude.
Rather than complain about the things you think you deserve, take a few moments to focus on
all that you have. Developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve
your satisfaction with life. And this year when we are all once again sitting around our
Thanksgiving table with her friends and families- let’s all take a moment and be grateful for this
opportunity to share love and laughter with those we love.