Did you know that being grateful can actually make you feel better? It’s true!

A 2019 study in the journal Mindfulness finds that both gratitude and self-compassion are facets of mindfulness that enhance psychological well-being. In another 2019 study  from The Journal of Positive Psychology, researchers found that “gratitude is beneficially, although modestly, linked to social well-being, emotional well-being and to a lesser extent psychological well-being.”

The benefits of gratitude

The benefits don’t end there, being thankful:

  • Significantly lowers the risk of major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, phobia, nicotine dependence, alcohol dependence, drug abuse or dependence, and the risk of bulimia nervosa.
  • Improves sleep and help you fall asleep faster and have better quality sleep
  • May help you live longer as gratitude is strongly associated with positive emotion
  • Increases your energy levels and makes you more likely to exercise

So how can you practice gratitude so you can enjoy all its benefits? It’s easy! Try a few of these activities:

  • Start a gratitude journal

    Writing down what you are thankful for makes you appreciate it even more. Jot down the details of how the things you appreciate make you feel so you can reflect back later.

  • Share a happy post

    Use social media for good, and break through all the negativity by sharing an uplifting quote or funny meme.

  • Go for a walk

    Nature has a way of making us feel grateful just by being it in. Notice how the leaves dance in the wind, the cute squirrel chasing his friend, the way the clouds make a fun shape. Take a deep breath and enjoy the simple things the world has to offer.

  • Volunteer

    Doing something for someone else makes us feel great and also helps us appreciate what we do have. Serving others is a wonderful thing, and there are so many ways to do it; from helping at a shelter, to packing snacks for kids, to sending a card to someone who is quarantined. Your small effort can make a huge difference to someone—and to you.

  • Tell someone you appreciate them

    You know they matter, but have you told them lately?

  • Focus on the positive

    You know what they say “when life gives you lemons…”. Focus on what you do have (friends, family, kids, a job, food, etc), rather than dwell negatively on what you don’t.

Times are hard right now, and gratitude can make everything a bit easier. What are you thankful for?