Gratitude Helps You Thrive – Here’s How

Gratitude Helps You Thrive – Here’s How

By Movieguide® Contributor

Did you know that intentional gratitude practice can improve your health, increase resilience, and community?

Baylor University states, “Intentionally practicing gratitude encourages us to regularly recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives.” in question. “Research shows that gratitude benefits health, well-being, and happiness, while also encouraging new connections and strengthening existing relationships by encouraging positive interactions and prosocial behaviors.”

So what exactly is gratitude?

In an article in Possibility Change magazine, Peter Clemens describes it as “a deep emotion, a state of mind, and a way of life.”

“It is an appreciation for the kindness, gifts, experiences, and people that enrich our lives. “It’s an acknowledgment of the goodness in our lives, a goodness that often comes from something outside of us,” he said. explained.

Ultimately, our gratitude must come from recognizing God’s goodness in our lives, and doing so, according to Baylor, can “enhance human flourishing in a variety of areas.”

Is it one of these areas? Strengthening relationships.

“Gratitude helps us find interpersonal relationships, connects us to our friends, and reminds us of all the valuable relationships in our lives,” said Sarah Schnitker, professor of psychology at BU. “(So) we were looking at how we can cultivate gratitude in a way that really impacts growth. “Not just individual well-being, but also the well-being of other people around them.”

READ MORE: HERE’S A SIMPLE WAY TO SHARE YOUR GRATITUDE THIS DAY OF THANKS

Sometimes being thankful can be challenging. But something as simple as getting more sleep (just 46 extra minutes) can change your perspective.

A study by Baylor sleep expert Michael K. Scullin found that “Participants who extended their sleep showed significant improvements in resilience, gratitude, and overall development.”

“It turns out that getting more sleep has a broader impact than just feeling more alert during the day,” Scullin said. in question. “Better sleep helps you have a clear vision of your life and be more resilient to the challenges you may face tomorrow.”

Besides sleep, Clemens offered a few other suggestions to help us focus on gratitude: keeping a gratitude journal, writing gratitude letters, conscious gratitude, gratitude jars, gratitude walks, gratitude reminders, and gratitude during routines.

But taking a moment each day to thank God for His blessings in your life will be the most powerful way to keep gratitude at the forefront of your life.

READ MORE: HOW CAN YOU TEACH AND PRACTICE GRATITUDE TO YOUR CHILDREN?