Practicing an attitude of gratitude has health benefits

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:57:31 +0000

By Carter Hammett

“When asked if my cup was half-full, or half empty, my only response is that I am
thankful I have a cup.” – Anonymous

With the affordability crisis at its peak, conflicts raging in almost every part of the world, and a culture that seems to be spawning impenetrable complexities, it’s hard not to let negativity seep into our lives. We are so busy trying to keep up with all the demands and pressures of daily life, we let much of the good slip past us. We tend to wear the badge of busyness proudly as if that’s the only option available to us.

It might seem counterintuitive then that the time-honoured tradition of gratitude appears to be out of step with today’s values. Yet, this seemingly simple act has been shown to have measurable improvements on our mental health, decrease the risk of certain diseases and flood our brains with volumes of feel-good serotonin.

The American Psychological Association defines gratitude as ‘a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to a fortunate happenstance or tangible gift.’ Gratitude is really a state of being. It takes mindfulness and presence to really experience gratitude’s benefits but simple acts like expressing appreciation for someone in your life, actively listening to another and simple acts of kindness can amplify our sense of contentment and joy. On a physical level, gratitude has many documented benefits, including better sleep, increased immune function and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. People who practice gratitude are also more likely to behave less aggressively towards others. They tend to experience more sensitivity and empathy towards problems of another. Gratitude has also been shown to have a positive impact on self-esteem. Rather than being envious of the accomplishments of others, grateful people will celebrate the successes of other people.

In a 2021 literature review, Cregg and Cheavens (2021) found that gratitude has a positive correlation with forgiveness, life satisfaction and extraversion among other traits. In a 2003 study Dr. Robert Emmons states that gratitude has two components. The first is acknowledging that positivity exists in your life. Grateful people give a lot of affirmation to life, enough to say that life is worth living. The second part, says Emmons, is that gratitude exists outside the self. We can be thankful for others in our lives, nature, the planet, our circumstances, but not to the self. When consciously engaged in the process, we are not only acknowledging all the goodness that life has to offer, but also who to thank for it. When gratitude is incorporated into the rituals of daily living, it’s considered a strength. When practised every day and consciously, this strength can be amplified through mindfulness and awareness.

As a new Canadian, you may find that this country has not lived up to your expectations. Perhaps finding that dream job has proven harder than you thought. Perhaps that dream house you wanted has proven to be unaffordable. As we prioritize material possessions and our health, it’s good to be reminded of the role gratitude can play. While acknowledging our employment, health and education as important, it’s necessary to look beneath the surface as well.

That’s where we can find the quiet pleasure that simple things —like a robust conversation with a friend, an inspiring book, or the joy of a great meal—provide, yet often go unnoticed. Regardless of what these pleasures offer, by making our thankfulness conscious, we cultivate a practice that takes our gratitude beyond external factors.

There are numerous ways you can begin to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Meditating, keeping a gratitude journal or focusing on one element that you are thankful for are good starting points. By making gratitude a conscious part of your daily living, you will start making room for the things that matter most and steer your life in a new, positive
direction.

Carter Hammett is a Toronto-based social worker, writer and trainer. He can be reached at
iwriteandedit@yahoo.com

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