I have always been curious about the logic and science behind various theories. For me, the idea that gratitude can impact well-being was one such puzzling theory.
So, I decided to dig deeper and explore the research. I found several fascinating studies that clearly show a strong link between gratitude and well-being.
How about we review a couple these studies together? This way, you can also see the evidence for yourself.
The first study that I came across was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis, which was led by Dr. Robert Emmons. The study was to see how gratitude affects our well-being.
They divided the participants into 3 groups and asked them to write about different things each week.
One group wrote about what they were grateful for, the second wrote about daily irritations, and a third group wrote about events without focusing on the positive or negative aspects.
The results were clear. People who wrote about gratitude felt more hopeful and happier with their lives. They reported feeling happier, more content, and even exercised more. In fact, this group also had fewer health complaints and felt more connected to others.
The study found that those who kept a gratitude journal slept better, had lower blood pressure, and experienced reduced inflammation. These improvements were due to the positive effects of gratitude, which helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation.
There were a few other interesting research articles that I came across during my research. I will link them in the suggested reading section below.
Personal reflections for Practicing Gratitude
As you can see, it has been scientifically proven that reflecting on what we are grateful for can significantly improve our mood and overall health.
After reading these research articles, I became convinced that gratitude has a positive impact on our well-being. What I once thought was just a theory is now a proven fact for me!
In fact, I have now started practicing gratitude on a daily basis, and can feel its physical, mental and psychological benefits.
So why don’t you also start practicing gratitude and see for yourself the difference it can make?
List of Things to Be Grateful for in Life
Let me share a list of things we can be grateful for to help you start practicing gratitude. As you continue, gratitude will gradually become a habit. You will find yourself more mindful, spotting things to be thankful for without even trying!
So, let us try to find gratitude in different parts of our lives.
Being Grateful for Family and Relationships
1. Their unselfish advice that helps us grow.
2. Laughing together at inside jokes.
3. Cozying up together while watching a movie.
4. For their unconditional love and support when we are feeling down.
5. For cleaning up together after a family get together.
Things to be Grateful for Health and Well-being
6.That amazing feeling after a good physical workout.
7. Feeling refreshed after a deep, restful sleep.
8. The delicious taste of a fresh fruit.
9. The deep calm and peace after meditation.
10. The clean, fresh feeling after taking a shower.
Expressing Gratitude for Education and Personal Growth
11. Feeling inspired after reading a good book.
12. Being able to learn new things online from the comfort of your home.
13. The joy from those “Eureka!” moments when a new idea suddenly strikes.
14. The joy when you enrol in a new course.
15.Feeling amazed after reading your own journal entries.
Being Thankful for Nature and the Environment
16. Watching a bird build its nest.
17. The calming sound of rain.
18. The beauty of a sunrise.
19. The scent of a newly blossomed rose.
20. The touch of dew on morning grass.
Being Grateful for Material Possessions
21. The smartwatch that tracks your heartbeat.
22. The cosy blanket that keeps you warm on a winter’s day.
23. The smartphone that connects you to the world.
25.The comfortable shoes that make walking a breeze.
26. The laptop that helps you work, earn and learn.
Gratitude for Everyday Joys
26. The feeling when you have just cleaned your wardrobe.
27. Rays of the sun warming your skin.
28.The taste of your favourite meal.
29. The flavour of the hot cup of coffee in the morning.
30. The moments when you suddenly hear from someone you haven’t heard from in a while.
Funny Things to Be Grateful For
31. When your favourite song comes on the radio the moment you start the car.
32. The stress relief by popping bubble wrap.
33. When you can guess the correct password in the first attempt.
34. Finding forgotten money in the pocket of your jeans.
35. The joy of finding the cooler side of the pillow on a warm night.
36. A cat chasing its own tail.
37. When you catch something that you dropped with a ninja like reflex.
38. The relief of taking off shoes at the end of a long day.
39. The relief when you suddenly remember a word that was on the tip of your tongue.
40. Feeling like a hero after opening a tight jar.
Unique Things to Be Grateful For
41. The smell of freshly baked bread.
42. A tall glass of cold water on a summer’s day.
43. The white light of the moon on a full moon night.
44. The warmth of a towel after soaking in the rain.
45. Seeing starts from your balcony on a clear night.
46. Feeling warm sand between your toes.
47. The smell of earth just after rain.
48. The cool breeze from an open window.
49. When you spot a shooting star
50. The quiet of early mornings.
