Ashley Allen
- Apr 2, 2022
- 3 min read

What Are the Benefits of Gratitude?

Updated: Jun 6, 2022

It’s nice to count your blessings on momentous occasions, but what if you could go through life being thankful every day? You CAN! Plus, the positive results of practicing gratitude every day are scientifically backed. From opening the door to relationships to improving physical health, gratitude has been proven to enhance empathy and reduce stress. Let's dive into the benefits of gratitude.

(*This will be a series of blogs due to the many benefits of gratitude so be on the lookout for more to come in the coming months. Once the series gets going, they will be in the related to section at the bottom of the posts.*)

Start A New Habit

Too often we reserve gratitude for momentous occasions, but to reap the benefits, gratitude must be practiced daily.

Robert Emmons, a psychologist, and author of ‘Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier’ reports that merely keeping a gratitude journal can significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction.

To start feeling the benefits of gratitude, I want you to start getting in the habit of writing down at least three things you’re grateful for every day. This can take the form of writing in a journal, making a note on your phone, writing yourself an email, or writing a note to someone in your life about why you appreciate them.

How you want to start your new habit is up to you. However, to get the best benefits, you must commit to doing this practice every day. It doesn't take long. It just depends on how in-depth and lengthy you want to be. Sometimes, mine takes 30 seconds and on other days it takes 3 minutes. The point is, even if it is for 30 seconds, I committed and I wrote those things that I was grateful for. So, the time is up to you. Just COMMIT.

Say Goodbye To Your ANTs

ANTs are your automatic negative thoughts and we ALL have them. The difference is how you treat and respond to them

One of the many benefits you can gain from a gratitude practice is saying goodbye to negativity. It’s pretty difficult to feel depressed or sorry for yourself when you are feeling grateful.

How far you can take your gratitude? Here's a list of ways to help you tap into your gratitude; start it right away...

- Watch inspiring videos that will remind you of the good in the world. - Include an act of kindness in your life each day. - Avoid negative media and movies with destructive content. - Volunteer for organizations that help others. - Don’t gossip or speak badly about anyone. - When you think a negative thought, try to see the positive side of the situation. - Commit to one day a week when you won’t complain about anything. - Thank the people who serve you in the community—waitresses, bus drivers, cashiers, etc.