In a world that often emphasizes what we lack, the practice of gratitude, kindness and compassion stands as a refreshing counterpoint. Thankfulness is not just a fleeting emotion or a prescribed focus for a particular American holiday. Thankfulness, or gratitude, is a year-round mindset that can significantly improve our lives, especially in the face of adversity. The benefits of leading a grateful life are manifold, affecting both our mental and physical well-being. 

Why Is Gratitude Important?

Appreciating the good things and people you have in your life, the aspects of your life that are going well, or even the simple fact of having avoided worse possible outcomes are all meaningful ways of being thankful. This is important because it can have noticeable positive impacts on everything from how you feel day to day to how you view the world as a whole. 

The Universal Benefits of Gratitude

Here are some of the surprising mental, physical, social, and even career health benefits of gratitude:

Mental Health Gains

Gratitude and kindness have shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Studies show that practicing gratitude and compassion can lead to lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. (Please refer to our previous blog about the University of Ohio study on gratitude and random acts of kindness.) When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, it shifts our perspective. This makes us more resilient against stress and emotional setbacks. This can also help people experience more happiness and overall contentment in their lives. In our yoga practice, we talk about "flipping" your perspective from seeing things as a negative to seeing them as a positive. This can be done with the flip of your perspective.

Physical Health Gains

Gratitude can also impact your physical health in a positive way. A study from the University of California, Davis, found that people who regularly practice gratitude experience fewer aches and pains. They also generally feel healthier than others. The act of being thankful can additionally improve sleep quality, as focusing on positive thoughts before bed can lead to a more restful night's sleep. Living life through a lens of appreciation can even help people reduce their use of and reliance on alcohol and drugs.

Stronger Relationships

Gratitude doesn't just make you feel good. Gratitude also helps those around you. A study from the University of Georgia and the University of Ohio found that gratitude plays a significant role in relationship satisfaction. Although the study at the University of Georgia focuses on marriages, it’s easy to see how thankfulness can fortify all relationships, romantic and otherwise. When you express gratitude, it fosters a sense of mutual respect and understanding, strengthening the bond between you and the people around you, from acquaintances to friends and family.

Career Satisfaction

In the professional arena, career satisfaction is increased when gratitude is a part of the work culture. A study from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania found that employees who show thankfulness to and for their coworkers experience better professional cohesion and performance. It found three strategies for practicing gratitude that helped to foster these successes:

• Celebrating small accomplishments as well as major ones

• Being an empathetic listener

• Finding thoughtful ways to surprise someone with whom you work

Setting a Positive Example

Finally, living a thankful life will not only impact your own worldview in deeply beneficial ways, but set a good example for others. People around you will notice your mindful attitude and be inspired by it. Through your own thankfulness, others may well be motivated to try gratitude as an approach to life that makes them happier and healthier.

Random Acts of Kindness Decks Make a Great Gift

From demonstrating kindness to your children, to taking on kindness as a community, our Random Acts of Kindness Deck helps you think of the many small ways to show kindness to others. Showing kindness and gratitude make the world a better place, as kindness is a catalyst for inspiring positive action. Create a community of kindness for the people in your life so that they feel love, seen and heard. And, pick up a deck of Random Acts of Kindness to donate to your local school, yoga Shala, church, or community center. Or get one for a friend who wants to participate in showing kindness with you. However you start the ripple effect of kindness, doing so will make a big difference in your attitude toward life, mental health, and overall happiness and wellbeing.