Gratitude as a Way to a Happier and Healthier Life

As studies keep showing, the positive effects that gratitude has on human brains are undeniable. And even if this isn't a surprise to you, it never hurts to ask yourself, am I being genuinely thankful?

Maybe, the answer to this question comes easily to you. “Of course, I am thankful”. In that case, congratulations! There is no need to proceed reading, and you can continue going about your beautiful day.

However, for those feeling like there's always something lacking in their lives, whether it be a relationship, a good job, money, or fun, I want to remind you: just because life doesn't seem perfect to you, that doesn't mean it isn't worth appreciating it fully.

The good thing about life is that one of the keys to joy lies in those things you already have, not in those you are yet to gain or achieve. Such things cannot make you happy, as they don't exist in the present, while they may exist for you in the future, they cannot bring you joy in the now. Focusing on the lack, shifts attention towards the pessimist mindset, which in extreme cases sees us as unworthy and/or the life experience as worthless. Such mindsets can potentially lead to depression and anxiety. Make no mistake, gratitude does not promote ignoring serious issues. The practice does not equal ignorance or any form of toxic positivity. It doesn't ask us to put our head into the sand and pretending the storm is nowhere to be seen. What it teaches is acknowledging the hurdles, struggles and pain encountered in our day-to-day experience, while appreciating the “little things” in life regardless. It's all about perspective. As French novelist Alphonse Karr once noted: “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”

Gratitude and relationships

So what are the actual benefits of gratitude, you ask? Emily Fletcher, the founder of Ziva, a popular meditation training site, claims it can be a ‘natural antidepressant’. And its daily practice can be as effective as medication. If we are in a relationship, being appreciative of what we have strengthens our bond with our significant other, and it also prevents us from the 'grass is greener syndrome'. (A side note worth remembering is that the grass is always greener where you water it). When you let yourself see the sprouts and fruit on the trees and not just the weeds here and there, you will want to get up each morning and plant a new seed. Meaning, a person who is being grateful on a daily basis acknowledges a partner’s efforts despite a disagreement. Research shows, that gratitude can not only deepen emotional intimacy in a relationship, but can also improve sex life.

Gratitude and its effects on the brain

Our brain reacts to gratitude by releasing dopamine and serotonin. The two essential neurotransmitters which evoke pleasurable feelings and their release makes us 'happy inside' immediately. Both of them are crucial for our well-being. Low levels of dopamine have been linked to causing depression or depressive states. The need for dopamine can also fuel addictions such as gambling, shopping, or drugs. Besides, the lack of dopamine and serotonin in the brain can also be responsible for developing conditions such as bipolar disorder, Parkinson, anxiety and others. While an excessive rush of dopamine is highly unsustainable and unhealthy, a daily practice of gratitude can give us a nice little hit each time, a microdose if you will, making us more balanced and thus, happier long term.

Gratitude does not only benefit our own well-being...

Gratitude releases toxic emotions, and replaces them with the feelings of love, compassion, and mercy. Kristen Armstrong once said, “When we focus on gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out, and the tide of love rushes in.” This tide brings us one great step closer to others, so we can shine that light on those around us too, through offering them a helping hand, words of comfort or encouragement.

How can we practice gratitude?

1. Start a gratitude journal. Learn to reflect at the end of each day.

What did you enjoy? What or who made you happy that day?

2. Think about people in your life you are grateful for and don't hesitate to let them know.

3. If you struggle with self-esteem, learn to appreciate yourself. Think about 5 personality traits you like about yourself. You can either say them out loud in front of the mirror or write them down on paper.

4. Make sure you spend enough time in nature. Moments like hiking in the mountains, walking in a forest, around a park or along the beach have got a naturally calming effect on our mind and soul. And no matter how many sunsets we have seen in our life, we will always be mesmerised by the next one. Such moments can teach us gratitude. For every thing we believe is missing in our lives, there is also at least one thing that we can be grateful for. They are just waiting for us to notice them, as we don't need a better job, more money, a partner, or anything else to be able to witness the pure beauty around us.

Learn more at:

Psychology Today

Positive Psychology

Mindful