More Gratitude for Greater Well-Being

What does it mean to “count your blessings” or keep an “attitude of gratitude?” While the answer seems obvious at first, you may not realize just how big of an impact thankfulness and gratitude can have on your life.

It turns out that being thankful is about much more than helping yourself or others feel good. Recent studies show that recognizing and appreciating the positive qualities in your life can actually benefit your health and lead to higher longevity. It’s hard to imagine a bigger blessing than that!

This year, we’d love to see gratefulness and healthfulness at the top of everyone’s list. But if you need a little inspiration to be more grateful, look at the following ways gratitude can boost your health and how you can achieve more thankfulness now and in the new year.

The Benefits of Being Thankful

Gratitude has been studied extensively over the years. The University of New England, Australia, recently reviewed over 70 studies of the effects of gratitude on depression and found that higher gratitude is consistently linked with lower depression rates.

Studies have also shown that feelings of gratitude improve sleep quality, strengthen the immune system, and reduce stress, which leads to lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular health.

To go even further, a recent Harvard study focused on whether being grateful can lead to higher longevity. Their study involved nearly 50,000 participants with an average age of 79. Each participant filled out a questionnaire designed to measure feelings of gratitude. After four years, researchers found the participants who were the most thankful had the highest longevity.

It’s clear that being more thankful is something we all should focus on to improve our well-being and quality of life. But how can we become more thankful?

Becoming More Thankful

Because we are often beset with challenges and bombarded by negative media stories, it can be difficult to recognize the many things in our lives that are worthy of gratitude. But simple exercises can help us shift our focus to the more positive and inspirational elements of our daily experience. Here are three ways to achieve higher gratitude.

1. Look around you

Set aside time each day to stop what you’re doing and notice the people and things around you. Consider even the smallest details that may benefit you or the people you care about in some way. Even that brief acknowledgement can reframe your thinking and help you maintain a gratitude-oriented mindset.

2. Make a list and check it twice

Another way to become more thankful is to make a list of questions that guide you to all the good in your life. Here is a sample list you can try:

• What is the last good meal you had?
• Who or what made you smile or laugh recently?
• Who in your life makes you feel supported, appreciated, or loved?
• What’s a great movie or show you’ve seen in the last year?

The answers might turn up unexpected or forgotten sources of gratitude and inspiration in your life.

3. Make gratitude a team effort

Get in the habit of asking your friends, family members, and coworkers what they are thankful for. Sure, they may roll their eyes at first, but thoughts of positive things in their lives will likely pop up whether they like it or not! Or you can initiate regular gratitude sharing sessions during your family dinners––or even your work meetings.

Oftentimes, inspiring gratitude in others will inspire gratitude in yourself. You might even find that you and your loved ones or acquaintances share sources of gratitude.

And you just might find that someone is thankful for you.

At Life Care Centers of America, we are thankful for the patients, residents, and families we serve every day. Caring for you and your family is inspiring and rewarding and reminds us time and time again that care, compassion, and connection truly make the world a better place.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Life Care!