How to REALLY practice Gratitude

You've probably heard that gratitude is good for your mental health, but did you know that it's just as good, if not more important for your body?    

The truth is there are numerous health benefits to you from the daily practice of gratitude. Establishing a habit to think about and write down your thoughts about gratitude will create tremendous shifts in your mental and physical health. 

Dr. Robert Emmons, a psychology professor from UC Davis, is one of the most often quoted experts on the study of gratitude. He and others have been conducting scientific experiments over the past 2 decades. Their research shows that there are quite a few advantages to regularly tap into the tremendous power of simply counting your blessings.  

Lower Blood Pressure 

Studies show that people who are regular practitioners of thankfulness have lowered blood pressure. A reduction of 16% diastolic and 10% systolic blood pressure has been noted. These lower readings are seen both at rest and when stressed.  

Less Risk For Heart Disease 

C-reactive protein, a marker of heart disease and cardiac inflammation, is also lower in those individuals who practice gratitude. This is an important benefit since the leading cause of death in the US for both sexes happens to be heart disease. 

Stronger Immune System 

Optimism is higher when you focus on all that you have vs. obsessing over all that you lack. Optimism lowers the level of stress hormones such as cortisol. Stress and cortisol interferes with your immune system. Your body is able to increase the number of infection-fighting immune cells when stress hormones are reduced.  

Improved Sleep 

Instead of counting sheep to fall asleep, you will achieve better results when you count your blessings. A regular gratitude practice will lower the incidence of insomnia and improve sleep quality. Keep in mind that poor sleep is a contributing factor to attention issues, obesity and moodiness/relationship challenges. Improving sleep quality creates a beneficial domino effect with other areas in your life and your health. 

Improved Biomarkers for Diabetes 

This is the one that is the most encouraging. Hemoglobin A1c, a biomarker for glucose control in the body, was found to decrease by as much as 13% for those who engage in regular thankfulness. This means that for those with a diagnosis of diabetes, sugar control improves with less variability in the highs and lows. And if you are heading towards developing diabetes, a lowered Hemoglobin A1c indicates that the condition is now heading in a favorable direction. 

These 5 health benefits are just a few of the advantages you can enjoy by simply counting your blessings and acknowledging the good in your life on a regular basis. 

When life is hard, it can be challenging to find things to feel grateful for. Counseling can help. Call 317-471-8996 to speak with a therapist to help make things clearer.