Being Grateful Makes Your Health Better

Chronic diseases are prevalent throughout the world, especially in the United States. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in 2018, more than half of adults (51.8%) had at least one chronic health condition such as arthritis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, current asthma, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, or weak or failing kidneys, and 27.2% had two or more of these conditions. In addition, 26% or 1 in 4 adult Americans has a mental disorder, significantly impacting physical health.

woman surrounded by sunflowers

Because of this growing problem, companies like Be in Health teach us how to use gratitude to improve our health, and you’ll benefit from incorporating it into your life. The benefits of an attitude of gratitude include the following:

Reduced Stress Levels

Stress has a significant impact on emotional and physical well-being. Increased levels of Cortisol, the stress hormone, lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Gratitude has been proven to lower stress levels and decrease the likelihood of chronic disease.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Being grateful lowers stress levels, improves blood pressure, and reduces inflammation. According to UC Davis Health, grateful people have 10% lower diastolic blood pressure and 10% lower systolic blood pressure than those less grateful, significantly improving physical health.

Improves Sleep

Gratitude improves sleep quality and quantity. Getting adequate sleep has many benefits, including better immunity, lower risk of diabetes and heart disease, better focus, and better relationships with others. All of which are protective factors for chronic disease.

Improves Mental Health and Wellness

Being grateful has a significant impact on mental health and wellness. Gratitude reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and increases resilience by improving coping skills and positive emotions during difficult times. Grateful people are more likely to avoid the physical effects of mentally tricky times during their lifetime.

Improves Relationships

Positive relationships are essential to a happy, healthy, and long life. Expressing gratitude towards others improves relationships by fostering feelings of closeness and connection. It also allows others to see you as a safe person to express their love and struggles during difficult times, allowing you to form strong, long-lasting bonds.

Boosts Immune System

Gratitude lowers stress levels and improves sleep, which increases your body’s ability to fight infections. A better immune system also decreases the likelihood of chronic illnesses.

Incorporate gratitude into your life and become healthier today!

Gratitude is an easy way to improve your physical and mental wellness today. Some awesome things to start incorporating include:

Keep a gratitude journal

Every day, write down a few things you are grateful for. Gratitude journals help you focus on the positive aspects of your life.

Practice mindfulness 

Pay attention to the present moment and focus on the positive aspects of your experiences. Mindfulness will help you appreciate the small things in life and be more grateful.

Volunteer and give back 

Helping others will help you develop a sense of gratitude for the things you have and create a sense of purpose.

Get outside and enjoy the sunshine and nature

Take time to appreciate nature. Spending time outside and enjoying the beauty around you will help you develop a sense of awe and gratitude for our world.

Express gratitude to others 

Tell the people in your life that you appreciate them and express gratitude for what they do for you. Expressing gratitude will strengthen relationships and create a positive feedback loop of appreciation.

Practice meditation to reframe negative thoughts and outlook 

Practice meditation to help reframe negative thoughts. Take a few minutes each day to sit and quietly focus on the things you are grateful for. When you encounter a negative situation, try to find something positive and focus on that instead. This helps cultivate a sense of gratitude and brings peace and calm to your day.

Remember, developing a sense of gratitude takes time and practice. But by focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you will cultivate a sense of appreciation, become more grateful, and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.

Krystal | Sunny Sweet Days
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