The Importance of Gratitude

“Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” — Jim Rohn

Scientific evidence has proven that practicing an attitude of gratitude can have positive effects on a persons life. So, what are the benefits? And how the heck can YOU improve your life with gratitude? Read on, my friend!

The Benefits of Gratitude

There are countless benefits to implementing a practice gratitude, here are just a few of them:

1. Gratitude makes us happier! Journaling for 5 minutes a day about the things we're grateful for can increase our long-term happiness by over 10%, according to scientific observations reported in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. By paying attention to what we already have, we feel more positive about our lives.
2. Gratitude increases our mental well-being, self-esteem, and reduces the effects of depression.
3. Gratitude can make people like us. Um, what?! Yeah, people who are grateful have access to a wider social network, more friends, and better relationships on average. Cool, right? 
4. Gratitude can improve our romantic relationships and friendships. Showing our gratitude to loved ones and friends is a great way to make them feel good, make us feel good, and make the relationship better in general.
5. Gratitude can reduce impatience and improve decision-making. After all, decisions made to satisfy short-term urges rarely provide positive results. r or more experienced peers.
6. Gratitude reduces depressive symptoms. Participants in a study on gratitude visits experienced a 35% reduction in symptoms for several weeks, while those practicing gratitude journaling reported a similar reduction in depressive symptoms for as long as the journaling continued.​

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3 Ways To Implement Gratitude Into Your Life

Create a gratitude jar

Set up a large glass jar in a place you'll see it regularly. Write down the things you are grateful for every day. Not only will you be reflecting on the blessings of your life, but you'll also have a physical reminder within your line of sight.
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Write in a gratitude jar

Set aside a time (first thing in the morning or right before bed is ideal) to record 3-5 things you are thankful for, in a journal kept specifically for gratitude.
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Instead of negativity, show gratitude

When you want to criticize your husband, express gratitude instead. When you're frustrated with your kids, express gratitude instead. When you're mad or sad or exhausted ... express gratitude instead. 

In whatever the situation is, take a deep breath and search for even the smallest thing to be grateful for.