The Pride
Counselors' Connection Benefits of Gratitude
L
ooking for ways to be more mentally strong? You need GRATITUDE. Research is finding that people who consistently practice gratitude will not only be happier, but healthier too, and gratitude can transform your life. Here are some scientifically proven ways that gratitude can help you:
Gratitude Improves: Mental Health: If you struggle with mental health, practicing gratitude is proven to increase happiness, decrease toxic thoughts, and helps people connect to something larger than themselves. Regular practice has been found to increase self-esteem and keep suicidal thoughts away.
Your Sleep: Practicing gratitude can increase the amount of sleep you receive, improve the quality of your sleep, and prevent you from tossing and turning at night.
Physical Health: A 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences showed that people who practice gratitude have fewer aches and pains, decrease their blood pressure, exercise more, and potentially live longer because they take better care of their health.
Your Brain Development: Practicing gratitude can increase activity in the prefrontal cortex and improve learning and decision making.
Social Life: People who express gratitude to others can improve friendships and relationships with significant others. People may regard you as more trustworthy and feel more connected to you, which can increase your opportunities to start new relationships.
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