How Embracing Gratitude Can Enhance Your Wellbeing and Relationships
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
In the tapestry of human emotions, gratitude stands out as a luminous thread, weaving through the fabric of our daily lives and relationships. The universal feeling, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries, has the power to transform mundane moments into treasures of joy and connection. As we embark on a journey through the realm of gratitude, we explore its profound impact on mental health, physical wellbeing, and interpersonal relationships.
“Gratitude is a spontaneous feeling but, increasingly, research demonstrates its value as a practice—that is, making conscious efforts to count one’s blessings. This social emotion strengthens relationships, and its roots run deep in evolutionary history—emanating from the survival value of helping others and being helped in return. The emotion generates a climate of positivity that both reaches inward and extends outward.”
Is important to know whether gratitude is an emotion or a feeling. According to Psychology Today, “gratitude is an emotion, one that makes a person feel happier. Gratefulness is also a mood as well as a personality. Some people are just more inclined to feel grateful as a daily habit. Gratitude is both a temporary feeling and a dispositional trait. In both cases, gratitude involves a process of recognizing, first, that one has obtained a positive outcome and, second, that there is an external source for that good outcome.”
“Practicing gratitude can be a game-changer: It has far reaching effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships with others. Living your life with gratitude helps you notice the little wins—like the bus showing up right on time, a stranger holding the door for you, or the sun shining through your window when you wake up in the morning.” How do we practice gratitude?
- We affirm the good things we’ve received.
- We acknowledge the role other people play in providing our lives with goodness.
- Remember the bad.
- Ask yourself three questions: What have I received from others?; what have I given to others?; what troubles and difficulty have I caused?
- Share your gratitude with others.
- Make a vow to practice gratitude.
Definitely, “you will get the biggest health benefits of gratitude when it becomes habitual and part of your thought process. But even allotting some time each day or week to prioritize gratitude can be beneficial: It reduces depression; lessens anxiety; supports heart health; relieves stress and improves sleep. Many people think of gratitude as a trait. But if you practice it, focusing on the positive things in life can become a habit and eventually come naturally to you.”
In conclusion, it’s clear that this powerful emotion extends far beyond a simple thank you. Gratitude has the capacity to transform our perception, our relationships, and our overall approach to life. Its asks us to notice the good, appreciate the present, and recognize the interconnectedness of our world. This article has laid bare the many facts of gratitude, from its psychological benefits to its ability to foster stronger bonds with those around us.”
References
“Gratitude Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratitude. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
“Gratitude.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gratitude. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
Staff, Mindful. “How to Practice Gratitude.” Mindful, 21 Feb. 2024, www.mindful.org/an-introduction-to-mindful-gratitude/.
Uclahealth. “Health Benefits of Gratitude.” UCLA Health, 22 Mar. 2023, www.uclahealth.org/news/health-benefits-gratitude.