The Benefits of Expressing Gratitude

At this time each year, you probably get bombarded by reminders to be thankful. Your cousin is doing a daily gratitude post on Instagram; your best friend decided to start a gratitude journal; the community group you attend invites a speaker to present on the subject. It may be easy to look past the principle of gratitude, but did you know there is research showing that those who express gratitude regularly are healthier and happier than those who don’t?

This month of November, we here at The Block Townhomes Blog invite you to browse through these 31 benefits of gratitude you didn’t know about and start practicing a few things that help you reap these benefits. Here are a few of our favorites you can enjoy in your Starkville, MS apartment this month:

More Optimistic

There is a strong correlation between gratitude and optimism. Since a natural result of optimism is a happier mood, it in turn improves your overall health, and it’s likely to even end up adding a few more years to your life! If something as simple as spending five minutes a day reviewing what you are grateful for could have that large of an impact, we say it’s worth it!

Better Sleep

Gratitude will improve how quickly you fall asleep, how well you sleep, and the amount of time you stay asleep. When we fall asleep, we are oftentimes focused on the things that made us worry throughout the day. This will stress us out, and in turn, keep us up longer at night. Instead, try to identify a few things that you were thankful for that day. It will help you to relax and doze off into a deep sleep much faster!

More Resilience

People who cultivate an attitude of gratitude are more capable of bouncing back after something unexpected happens and rolling with the punches. When they experience a hard time, they’re more likely to reach out to someone who cares about them, which in turn decreases their likelihood of suffering PTSD in the future. Rather than being knocked down in times of difficulty, they are more likely to grow from these times.

Deeper Relationships

Developing a habit of expressing your gratitude means you are more likely to thank those you are closest to more sincerely, and more often. Sharing your deep gratitude with someone for what they bring to your life will help them know they mean something to you, and it’s bound to make them feel better as well. Consequently, you’ll develop a deeper connection with that person.

Goal Achievement

One study showed that those who keep a gratitude journal report more success at achieving their goals. Of course, one study can’t predict how everyone will fare, but it goes to show that if anything, taking some time to do a physical thing every day to express your gratitude won’t hinder your progress. It might even help you accomplish more!

Thanks for reading, and have a happy Thanksgiving!