How a Grateful Attitude Makes You Happy
How a Grateful Attitude Makes You Happy
Research shows that practicing gratitude boosts energy, inspires optimism, and encourages getting out of your comfort zone, and creates more social interactions that combine to create a happier and more satisfying life.
Inspires Positivity
When you stop and reflect on the things that you are grateful for, you stop anger, negativity, and stress in its tracks. When you focus on things that make you happy, you naturally relax your brain and release chemicals that make you feel better. A better mood allows you to perform at your best and make more responsible choices.
Improves Relationships
As you stop and reflect, you highlight moments in your life you never want to take for granted. In turn, increasing your relationships, and you take the time to only focus on them and nothing else.
Leads to A Healthier Life
Reducing and preventing stress leads to a longer and healthier life. Daily high levels of cortisol can lead to many mental and physical health problems that can hinder your ability to do the things that make you happy. Being grateful can act as an instant stress reliever as you highlight the things that bring you value and happiness.
Increases Your Self-Worth
When you think about the things you are most grateful for, It gives you a chance to experience the bigger picture and gain a new perspective about yourself and your abilities. It allows you to highlight your accomplishments to feel a sense of pride, growing your self-esteem and confidence, allowing you to continue growing your skills and try new things to grow.
Improves Ability to Handle Challenges
A grateful attitude gives you the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with or cope with irritation or difficult situations. It allows you to work better with others and be more patient as you understand and focus on the bigger picture. For example, focusing on how grateful you are to have a job you love can make it easier to deal with annoying coworkers.
To practice gratitude, start each morning by reflecting on one simple thing you are thankful for. Simply ask yourself, “What brings me the most happiness?” and reflect on all the reasons why.
Always say “thank you” when others help you, no matter how small. It’s incredible how good it makes you feel, but it also helps them too. When you return the favor and spread kindness, it always ensures that those around you feel valued, increasing your gratitude, releasing those good hormones, and ultimately making you feel happier.
