Give Thanks: The Surprising Life-Altering Benefits of Those Who Practice Gratitude

Trade your expectation for appreciation, and the world changes. ~Anthony Robbins

I love seeing all of the November posts on what people are grateful for. Did you know that a spirit of thankfulness can have a lot of life-altering benefits?

A grateful person does not live in denial, ignoring the unpleasant parts of life. Grateful people simply shift their focus away from the bad in order to recognize and savor the good.

There have been actual studies done on gratitude and its effect on the brain, along with its correlation to other quality-of-life measures. This is fascinating to me! There are actual documented benefits to being grateful. Among them:

• Better sleep – both duration AND quality
• Greater alertness, enthusiasm, determination
• Higher energy levels
• Lower levels of depression and stress, although the subjects studies do not ignore the negative aspects of life
• Show preventive markers for warding off coronary artery disease
• Report more recorded instances of helping and supporting others
• Put less importance on, and find a lesser need for, material possessions
• Are less envious of the success of others
• Give more to charity
• Exercise more regularly
• Report less adverse symptoms related to disease
• Show more kindness to their spouses

(Source: UMass Dartmouth)

So make it a daily habit of focusing on the things that you are grateful for. It can totally change your perspective and mindset. And pass along that lesson of gratitude to your kids.

What are you thankful for? What are some ways you practice gratitude? How has having an attitude of gratitude improved your life?