3 Ways Gratitude Improves Your Life

These have been challenging years, so today, I wanted to share these 3 ways gratitude improves your life. The study of gratitude in the last two decades has been significant, and scientific research and studies have pointed to the many positive impacts gratitude has.

I know the phrase “practicing daily gratitude” sounds cliche as it’s overused, but there are good reasons it’s being widely discussed these days.

There are many emotional and physical health benefits to be gained through thankfulness.

Gratitude is a biggy for me when it comes to overall wellness, and as you might have noticed if you’ve been here before, sharing tips to improve your life and live happier is kinda my jam.😊

There are also benefits, such as better sleep, less stress, lower aggression, and more meaningful relationships. There’s no denying that having or strengthening an attitude of thankfulness will improve one’s mood.

When I start feeling down or upset about something, I’ve been making an effort to think of some of the great things in my life, and it’s been a life-changer.

It can be something as small as that yummy lunch you just had, snuggles with your pet or how helpful your partner is.

When you consider it, practicing gratitude is a form of emotional self-care, and we all need more of it.

Being thankful for all of the little things each day brings (whether it’s a stranger being kind or getting a new book) will help lift your spirits, so if you’ve been forgetful or not very intentional with daily gratitude, I encourage you to give it a try.

3 Ways Gratitude Improves Your Life

1. Being More Present.

Once you start noticing all of the things you have to be thankful for, it helps you become more aware of the people around you and the situations you are in, leading to living more fully in the present moment.

It’s easy to get distracted these days and not give those around us our full attention.

With people feeling lonely and isolated, your presence is one of the best gifts you can give them.

Being more present improves relationships as people feel more valued and appreciated.

When you are grateful for people, you’re more likely to invest quality time and effort into those meaningful relationships.

When these important relationships are strengthened, it enhances the joy you feel each day. So gratitude is a beautiful cycle that has many rewards!❤️

For fun ways to do this, start a gratitude jar. If you have children, get them involved by having a whiteboard with different-coloured markers to jot down things they are thankful for.

A daily gratitude journal or list is another simple way to keep track of the things and people you’re thankful for. See my free printable below.

2. No Longer Taking Things for Granted = Increased Happiness.

Practicing daily gratitude and seeing all of the blessings around you will change your perspective and help you not take things for granted. When you appreciate what you have, your happiness level also increases, so it’s a win-win!

Like all of us, I’ve struggled at times with being content with everything I have, from my frizzy hair to my secure 9-5. Cue gratitude and this has all changed.

Recently, we did a central house decluttering and cleaning, getting rid of junk and giving the rest to The Salvation Army. With my new “gratitude glasses” on, I started to look around and truly appreciate my home and everything we had to donate.

I sometimes complained about needing a renovation, new furniture, or better decor, but now my focus has shifted to what a blessing and privilege it is to have a home (I always knew this, but gratitude has made those feelings more powerful and meaningful). It may not be Pinterest-perfect, but it has character. We have a roof over our heads. That alone is something to be incredibly grateful for.

Perspective and gratitude. Both of these change everything.

What is something you tend to complain about or wish you had something better? Try to look at it differently, and ask yourself some questions about it even if they might make you feel uncomfortable, such as:

• Is this something everyone has, or is it a privilege for me to have this?
• How bad is this problem or issue? Will it matter in a year or two?
• Does this impact my emotional or physical health?
• Are there other people that desperately wish they had this or that? (ie. your car, phone, computer, job, food, family, friends, living in a free country and so forth)
• Is there some way I can improve this or change it?
• Why do I feel this way? Is it because I really want something better, or is it because of comparison or unrealistic ideals the media pushes?

When you examine things closer or look at them through gratitude glasses, you’ll be surprised at what a difference they can make and how much happier you’ll feel. This is one of the powerful ways gratitude improves your life.

3. Improved Self-Esteem.

Once you are more thankful and feel content with your life and what you have, you’ll start feeling better about yourself.

This is one of the scientifically-proven benefits of gratitude that many studies point to.

When you feel good about yourself, you are less likely to compare yourself to others and their accomplishments, which will raise your self-esteem.

Do your best not to scroll through social media, wishing you had what some influencers have or wanting to look like them. It’s often just a facade, and the pictures are highly filtered.

Luxurious material possessions, botox, immaculately renovated homes–all of these things may be nice, but they will not bring long-lasting or deep satisfaction. You’ll end up wanting more.

We are all on our journey. Take the time to acknowledge and be grateful for all you have accomplished and overcome to get where you are.

When you look at it that way, your self-esteem inevitably gets a boost; mine sure did.

You can download a free achievement list I created here.

Final Thoughts On Ways Gratitude Improves Your Life

Being present, no longer taking things for granted, and improved self-esteem are three of the numerous ways gratitude benefits your life.

Having an “attitude of gratitude” (or corny as that may sound) is a powerful mindset that will change your perspective and result in greater happiness. Practicing daily gratitude is a choice we have to make. Once you are intentional about practicing gratitude, negativity and complaining, start to decrease.

That doesn’t mean you’re always going to be cheerful, things won’t bother you, or you have to “settle”; rather, it’s that you can see the silver lining and value in situations and in all that you do have. It’s not always easy, but the more you practice, the better you’ll get at it, and in time, you will start to see and feel a difference.

Please share your thoughts in the comments and some ways gratitude improves your life.

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