Gratitude is an act of kindness recognized by some treasured by others and appreciated by all.
In layman terms, gratitude can be defined as being thankful and grateful for what one receives.
It is a feeling that one transpires internally, but that does not mean it is just an emotional response, to say the least. We as members of today’s society actively engage in making a choice to be grateful or not. To acknowledge what we have in our lives or not. Therefore gratitude can be incorporated in one’s attitude, in one’s behavior, in one’s lifestyle.
In today’s society of overwhelming personal and professional lives, it is important to embody this virtue which supports innate morality. This process of cultivating gratitude is important because it helps us feel more connected to our surroundings. This leads to an overall sense of well-being along with it.
Overall well-being
Gratitude is often expressed towards friends, family, higher power and even to one’s own self which leads to the domain of satisfaction of social, spiritual and mental health well-being. There are researches indicating relations between physical health and gratitude, individuals who practice gratitude have a longer life expectancy, stronger immunity system, better sleep cycles and are found to be on a more energetic side. In all leading to a better quality of life.
Strengthens bonds
Expressing gratitude strengthens the bond by sharing mutual feelings of respect and admiration for one another. It grows a better understanding and empathetic relationship where the efforts are reciprocated. This leads to the healthy growth of personal and working relationships where individuals feel more connected. A small act of kindness from one and a reciprocating act of gratitude from another is always well-received by all.
Positive perspective
Gratitude shifts the focus from what one does not own to what one has and the person pays more attention to the positives they possess than the negative they don’t. It also leads to a more optimistic and opportunistic style of living. People who engross gratitude are seen to be less self-centered and more helpful, such people are less likely to be obsessed with materialistic possessions.
Individual growth
Gratitude reduces social comparison and feeling of envy which leads to better self-esteem and achievement of personal goals. Showing more gratitude towards others helps live a healthier life as we channel more positive thoughts and act the same way as well. Gratitude help strengthens our emotional wellbeing and builds a good personality as someone who’s thankful for what he has knows the value of the same and would rather cherish it than chasing something that he doesn’t.
Happiness and Life satisfaction
Happiness is a construct of frequently experienced positive emotions and infrequent negative emotions. People who engage in gratitudinal behavior often express more positive emotions like joy, excitement, pride. These people have less negative emotions like fear, guilt, envy, and anger. Happiness being a contributing factor to life satisfaction leads to greater subjective feelings and helps one grow not only emotionally but also practically as they have more positive energy to go around.
Increased resilience
Individuals feel less stressed among hardship if they are aware of the resources they have and are appreciative of them. The individual often seeks social support and have a proactive style of coping with stress and negativity rather than giving up and putting their back against the wall.
Peace of mind
Peace of mind develops when there is a feeling of contentment. When one has and the absence of certain expectations it results in contentment. Individuals who have achieved success and undertake gratitude are often seen as humble and humane by others.
To learn more about Dr. Prerna Kohli click here
All images are courtesy Pixabay
