The Benefits of Gratitude

"Thank You!" "Salamat po!" We say it on a daily basis almost out of courtesy at times or to display our good mannerisms and at times when we truly feel thankful. Feeling grateful forces our minds to adopt an abundance mindset as opposed to a scarcity based one, where you feel you are lacking something. An abundant mindset is key to our growth and well-being.

Gratitude is a muscle in us that needs to be built consciously. It can range from meditating 5 minutes a day, to being mindful, keeping a gratitude journal, a gratitude jar, writing someone a thank you note, calling up someone and thanking them for who they are, reflecting on the things that we take for granted that are truly a blessing are some ways to incorporate gratitude in your daily life. There’s much to be said about the Power of Gratitude. So let’s say it, breathe it, live it and reap its benefits.

• You'll feel happy. Gratitude is many things to many people. It is wonder; it is appreciation; it is looking on the bright side of a stepback; it is fathoming abundance; it is thanking someone in your life; it is thanking God; it is counting blessings; it is savoring; it is not thanking things for granted; it is coping; it is present-oriented.
• Your physical vitality improves. How, you ask? Firstly, gratitude helps lower our stress levels. It's no secret that stress has been proven to be a major cause of heart attacks and other chronic conditions. Gratitude leads to a positive outlook and spurs an optimistic approach to life. Optimism in turn has been linked to increased immunity boosting cells.
• Your personal relationships get stronger. This fosters a sense of commitment towards each other and towards growing the relationship. Individuals are more thoughtful in their words and actions toward their partners thereby helping the intimacy grow. Feeling appreciated and valued by one’s partner makes a world of difference to the relationship and helps it get stronger.
• You'll be more resilient. Noticing and appreciating our blessings regularly attunes us to notice the good in everything and everyone. This constant attention to seeing the good in every situation helps us bounce back stronger and quicker.
• You'll sleep better. Count your blessings to sleep better! Gratitude promotes a feeling of trust and “all is well in my world”. This in turn helps you sleep better by reducing your stress and worry about day-to-day things.
• Your life satisfaction score goes up. Positive thoughts leading to thoughtful positive actions, increased physical vitality, stronger relationships, optimistic thoughts, all together cause an overall increase in one’s sense of well-being.

Find something in every day that you can genuinely be grateful for. Trust that life is good, even as you are searching every moment to realize it. Look with an intentional eye, a purposeful view.