Life always becomes more meaningful and happier when good things happen. Unfortunately, there are also challenging times when it does not feel as good. If you practice gratitude and make it a habit, it can lead to more positive thinking and optimism. There are benefits if you do! Here is why:
Makes You a Happier Person
Gratitude and optimism allow you to enjoy your life better. When you see and appreciate the little things that happen to you, it makes you feel good. You feel loved and cared for by the people around you. You attract kindness and positivity, which also drive you to be kind and good to others.
Allows You to Make Sense of Your Struggles
Challenges are a normal part of life. When they happen, you might feel down and helpless. However, optimism and gratitude help you rise above your problems. They help you understand why you are struggling, and you see the lessons you can learn.
Being grateful does not mean you are undermining your emotions, such as when you are grieving. They are still valid. What gratitude can do for you is build your resilience, reminding you that against all odds, there are good reasons why things happen. They help you manage your emotions, knowing that you are still in control and you have a choice about your present and future.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Focusing on the positive events in your life releases your happy hormones. It helps you reduce your stress and anxiety because you realize there are things and people to be thankful for.
You may be anxious about your career or your relationship. Focusing on what to be thankful for despite what is making you anxious can ease your worries.
Improves Your Longevity
Grateful and optimistic people tend to live longer than those who let negativities overpower them. They aid in developing your mental strength and physical health.
It can help boost your immune system, reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses, and teach you to be proactive about taking care of your health. As you see the goodness around you, you can love yourself more, so you take care of it better. You live purposefully and happily.
Allows You to Identify and Grab Opportunities
Being grateful and positive can help you take advantage of opportunities that come your way. For instance, you see opportunities at work to improve your career. Whether that is a promotion or a lateral move, you recognize the benefits of what you do in the workplace. It also helps you build better relationships with your colleagues and managers.
Helps You Manage Conflict and Receive Feedback
There are times when we get caught out in a conflict or receive negative feedback. When you are an optimistic person, you can draw something positive from the situation. You can think clearly of how to address them and the best way to respond when needed.
On the contrary, if you focus on the negative, you will only feel demotivated and resentful. You might feel that you are being attacked personally or that your efforts just go unnoticed. So stay grateful and positive and fight negativity.
There is so much to be thankful for in life, from having a roof over your head to being able to work in a safe environment. Practicing gratitude to celebrate these blessings helps you become a more optimistic person who does good deeds and shows kindness to others.
Gratitude and positive thinking also lead to a happier and healthier life as you build stronger relationships with others and you find more meaning and purpose in everything that you do and happens to you.
If you have not started yet, it is time to start developing an attitude of gratitude. Just spend a few minutes a day reflecting on the things you are thankful for in your life. Write a gratitude list, fill a gratitude jar, say thank you to others more often, or meditate or pray. Small efforts can help you build the habits and see the benefits for yourself over the long term.
