Expressing Gratitude Increases Happiness

Did you know that expressing gratitude can increase happiness and reduce depression?

• Grateful people are more likely to treat others with kindness when they are shown kindness by others.
• Grateful people experience more empathy towards others and are less likely to retaliate or seek revenge.
• Spending 10-15 min writing down grateful sentiments at bedtime may help you sleep better and longer.
• Studies have shown that grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier thank others. Grateful people are more likely to take care of their health by exercising more often and seeking regular medical care.
• Focusing on positives can boost your mood and give you more hope for the future.
• Research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress but may play a role in overcoming trauma. Recognizing all that you are grateful for even during hard times fosters resilience. 

Ways to cultivate gratitude

• Expressing gratefulness – Complimenting or thanking someone. Let others know that they have done something well, or something you like about them.
• Be a support system if you are able.
• Encourage others.
• Include others.
• Visit with people – There is nothing quite like a face-to-face visit and expressing your gratitude toward that person.
• Share in others joy.
• Be respectful and treat others with the level of respect and courtesy you would like to receive – The Golden Rule.