Are you looking for more in life to be happier? It could be better health, deeper relationships, or increased productivity. Regardless of what your issue is, there is only one solution. You can develop the habit of being grateful ‌to help. But what is gratitude?  

Gratitude encompasses reflecting on all the good things that happen in your life instead of focusing on the negative. It doesn’t ‌require you to express it verbally. However, it is helpful to do so. 

Gratitude is one of the most neglected tools for increasing joy. Research suggests it is the most effective way to enhance delight despite this. But before you follow this advice blindly, it is crucial to understand why and how showing gratitude brings joy. There are six reasons why gratitude makes you happier. Read on to find out.  

Promotes Healthier Behaviors 

Gratitude can put you in a positive mind-frame that makes it easier to engage in healthy physical activity. Thanks to it, you may be more likely to consume more nutritious foods, exercise more, and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Harvard Health Publishing reports that people who write gratitude notes each week are more optimistic and exercise more.  

They also have fewer doctor’s visits than those who do not write gratitude notes or make gratitude art.  You engage in pro-health behavior when you have a more positive spin on your day. You are more likely to exercise and eat healthier foods with a positive approach. 

Keeps You Close to Loved Ones 

Gratitude can make a significant impact on your relationships almost immediately. If you and your partner remain passionate forever, it can improve your relationship. You can try holding your partner’s hand. Tell them how ‌you value their presence in your life. Then watch what happens! You’ll be ecstatic!  

As long as you keep doing this day after day without being boring – or formal – the spark between you two will always remain. However, what’s important is that you must feel the same way inside. Multiple studies have established this to be true. One research found that couples who expressed gratitude felt favorable toward each other. The pair could show their apprehensions about their relationships more freely.  

Further research shows that gratitude enhances relationships, including starting, maintaining, and spicing them up. It applies to both romantic and family relationships. Whether it be your parents, children, siblings, or relatives, a heartfelt thank you means you will always be on their side, even during tough times. 

Boosts Mental Strength 

Gratitude art is known to improve your overall mood and mental well-being. Over the years, researchers have found that gratitude reduces stress and may also help you overcome trauma. A study cited in Behavior Research and Therapy in 2006 found fewer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cases among Vietnam War Veterans who were more grateful. 

Also, after the September 11 terrorist attacks, a 2003 study cited in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology discovered that being thankful was a critical contributor to resilience. Even during your darkest moments, being grateful helps you maintain mental stability. To boost your mental strength, express gratitude every day. Thanks to it, you will develop your resilience, increase your self-esteem, and see the good side of any situation. 

Stunts Hedonic Adaptation 

Our remarkable ability to adjust rapidly to any change of circumstance describes hedonic adaptation. It is a highly adaptive reaction when faced with unpleasant events, but it is not so adaptive when faced with positive events. There is an immediate boost in your happiness and contentment when you gain something good in your life, like a loving partner, a friendly coworker, or a recovery from illness.  

Sadly, the effect is short-lived due to hedonic adaptation. Positive adaptation is a significant obstacle to happiness, and gratitude effectively overcomes its effects. It can directly counter the effects of hedonic adaptation by preventing you from taking for granted your good fortunes – from adapting to your good circumstances. 

Relieves Physical Pain 

Ever wondered why pregnant women can bear the pain of labor until the birth of their babies? It stems from their inner happiness. Despite the difficulty of the journey, she is looking forward to getting her blessing. While it may not seem apparent, she is hopeful and grateful.  

Although feeling grateful can ease physical pain, it seems complicated to believe that it can also relieve other types of pain. Despite this, a 2003 study named Counting Blessings vs. Burdens proved that this was true. Consequently, people who feel grateful are more likely to care for their health.  

Promote Positive Emotions  

Not only does gratitude promote positive emotions, but it also enhances other emotions. Based on 2017 research, those who experience positive emotions can develop intellectual, psychological, and social resources. Practices like gratitude may further encourage you to engage in positive behaviors that lead to self-improvement.  

Further findings from the study also suggest that expressing gratitude can help you feel connected, elevated, and humble. Therefore, it’s necessary to take care of these factors to maintain a mindful life.  

Conclusion 

Gratitude makes people happier. And happier people are grateful. It’ll promote this by relieving physical pain, boosting mental strength, promoting healthy behaviors, etc. We experience gratitude more frequently and with greater intensity when we are thankful. Therefore, it will enhance your overall well-being.