We all seem to be searching for happiness. And considering how few people actually report being happy in their daily lives, it’s safe to say the journey isn’t always easy. But by sowing the seeds of gratitude, we can all strive to achieve happiness. And there’s some science behind practicing gratitude, as well! Let’s take a look at how starting a daily gratitude practice can help you improve your life long-term
Better Sleep
Did you know that 2013 Psychosomatic research found people who spent a few minutes of showing gratitude after waking up were more likely to fall asleep quickly? It might seem hard to believe, but gratitude can actually help you fall asleep faster and sleep better throughout the night.
Increased Self-Esteem
Gratitude has the ability to increase self-esteem. When you focus your energy on the things you’re grateful for, it’s easier to feel better about life and about yourself. In addition, gratitude can help reduce social comparisons. Meditating on the good things can help you bring renewed focus and energy to your life and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, without comparing yourself to others.
Improved Relationships
When you practice gratitude, you’ll see your relationships improve. Expressing gratitude to the people you know and love lets them know that they’re appreciated in your life. Even saying thank you for the little things can often make a big difference in your relationships. In fact, you might even find that your small acts of gratitude will rub off on the people around you. Communicating mindfully about gratitude with the people you love can help you build strong, lasting relationships.
How Do You Start Practicing Gratitude?
Gratitude starts with appreciating even the smallest things that happen every day. Start by thinking about one good thing that happened to you every day. You can write these things down in a journal or just keep them in your mind. Once you’re comfortable with this daily practice, build on it a little bit more. Start listing more things you’re grateful for each day. Invite a friend to practice with you.
If you’re still nervous about starting, don’t hesitate to reach out to a gratitude coach. Working with a gratitude coach can help you truly understand the benefits and practice of gratitude every day.
Whenever you feel like everything is going wrong, remember that gratitude is a key part of striving for happiness. And if you need help, there’s a gratitude coach here for you.