Scientific research surrounding gratitude and health has led to countless promising discoveries. Among many important findings in this area of ​​research, UC Davis Health points out that gratitude is linked to reduced stress and depression.

Furthermore, practicing gratitude may slow the effects of neurodegeneration. Practicing gratitude leads to reduced inflammation and lower blood pressure. Writing a letter of appreciation reduced hopelessness in 88% of suicidal patients and increased optimism in about 94%.

The findings above are just a small portion of the scientifically proven benefits that gratitude brings. There is growing evidence that the practice of gratitude has many clinical applications. Includes the use of gratitude as an intervention to improve a person’s mental and physical health, helping to treat many medical conditions and disorders.

Many scientific studies have revealed a strong link between gratitude and improved health measures. Being grateful can increase your quality of life and help you live longer in the following ways:

1. Increase happiness

The results of this scientific study show that expressing more gratitude is correlated with less depression. Research data also demonstrates that gratitude is the bridge between increased happiness and reduced depression. Researchers found that grateful individuals had fewer depressive symptoms when faced with financial hardship.

2. Improve health

One study found that people who practice gratitude have better health. The authors discovered that gratitude improved the mental health of the interns. They participate in healthy activities and are always willing to receive medical care because they are concerned about their health.

The authors of this study investigated the impact of gratitude on the physical and mental health of breast cancer patients. Their data demonstrated that gratitude was associated with reduced cancer recurrence, less distress, and more positive emotions.

3. Improve sleep

This scientific study focused on the impact of gratitude on both mental and physical health in 186 heart failure patients. Researchers found that gratitude is positively connected to sleep. One study found that participants who kept a gratitude journal for two weeks had significantly better sleep quality. Another study found that gratitude leads to better sleep quality and duration.

4. Faster recovery

Belief in personal ability is an optimistic belief that one can perform difficult tasks and achieve expected results. The authors of this review argue that believing in oneself is part of self-resilience, and that resilience is closely related to personal beliefs. Another study looking at the role of gratitude in breast cancer patients found that gratitude is also an important part of recovery.

5. Be less aggressive and more patient

According to research on the effects of gratitude on aggression and patience, the authors reveal that feelings of gratitude protect us from feeling hurt and reacting aggressively.

Studies surrounding this topic have shown that people who practice gratitude are less prone to provocation. The results demonstrate that people who practice gratitude have higher levels of empathy towards others, and they are also more patient.

6. Enhance resistance

This scientific study analyzed the relationship between gratitude and physical health. The study’s authors focused on how gratitude affects fatigue, sleep, mood, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. Results showed that patients who expressed more gratitude also had less inflammation.

7. Pain relief

The authors of the review ‘gratitude and health’ in the Journal of Psychology discuss key findings in this field. A study on pain perception found that people who practiced gratitude experienced less pain than others

8. Regulate blood pressure

Both stress and anxiety can increase blood pressure. One report shows that people who are more grateful tend to have less stress and anxiety. People are advised to practice gratitude to reduce fatigue, anxiety, and help lower blood pressure. The level of gratitude is proportional to the level of anxiety. The more grateful you are, the less sadness you feel.

Many scientific studies have shown that gratitude can be multiplied in many different ways. You can help yourself cultivate gratitude by applying any or all of the following:

1) Meditation.

2) Thank people often.

3) Always pay attention to what you say.

4) Be grateful to everyone

5) Practice spirituality and pray with gratitude

6) Remember the bad things and look for the good in them.

7) Think creatively and openly.

8) Think positively and be grateful for the little things.

9) Do kind things for others and volunteer for meaningful causes.

Finally, think about cultivating a grateful heart

In short, developing and practicing gratitude brings many health benefits, supporting the treatment of physical and mental problems.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming; you can start slowly and gradually increase your ability. The power of positivity, appreciation and gratitude are life-changing miracles! Most importantly, you deserve a longer, healthier and happier life!