Why Is Gratitude So Great?

You may often hear that giving thanks is good for you, but does anyone know why this is so? Why does gratitude do so much good? Well, there is actually some science behind the benefits of giving thanks. Researchers point out that practicing gratitude helps you:

• Fight negativity. When you take time to think about what you’re grateful for, it changes your focus from the bad things in your life to the good things. Take time to be grateful, and just see how quickly your negative thoughts dissipate.
• Improve your relationships. Expressing gratitude helps others understand how much you appreciate and value them, which in turn helps to strengthen your bond with that person.
• Reduce complaining. Grateful people don't tend to focus their time and attention on pain and problems. Instead of complaining, they are more apt to just ask friends and family for advice or help when they need it.

Gratitude essentially forces you to acknowledge how much you value other people and things—being grateful enables you to pause and reflect on how lucky and truly blessed you are. So, take a moment to give thanks and feel the immediate positive effects!

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
—John F. Kennedy