The Importance of Gratitude for Senior Health

5 reasons to be grateful

Adopting a more optimistic, grateful approach to life can benefit you in a multitude of ways. Here are just some of the many benefits you may experience when you start to focus more on the good than the bad:

1. Sleep better

Research shows that when you’re feeling grateful, you can actually sleep better and for longer. Having an influx of positive thoughts before you go to sleep can help calm your mind. One way to practice gratitude and boost your sleep quality is to write down five things you were grateful for during the day right before you go to bed.

2. Improve self-care

Research has shown that those who are more grateful tend to have better physical and psychological health. When you maintain a more positive mindset and feel greater purpose in your day to day, you’re more likely to take better care of yourself and stay healthy.

3. Spark new relationships

When you take time to do something as simple as say “thank you” to a new acquaintance and treat them well, it can make them more likely to want an ongoing relationship with you. Acknowledge other people’s contributions, speaking to them with respect, and treating them well will make you a more attractive person to be around and spark fulfilling friendships.

4. Improve Mental Strength

Being an overall grateful person not only reduces stress but can also help you overcome traumatizing or difficult times in your life. When you regularly recognize everything that you’re grateful for, you are helping yourself build resilience and boost your ability to mentally overcome life’s challenges.

5. Long-lasting happiness

Practicing gratitude can lead to a more sustainable form of happiness. This is because it involves changing your frame of mind and doesn’t focus on immediate gratification. Meaning, if you make time to express gratitude regularly, you may become happier overall.

Ways to express gratitude every day

Now that you’re familiar with all of the ways expressing gratitude can enhance your overall well-being, here are some simple ways to practice gratitude regularly:

1. Say something nice to others 

This might be the simplest way to show gratitude to someone else. You can simply say something kind to another person to express your gratitude towards them.

2. Write daily in a gratitude journal

Take time to write down the people, events, activities, and belongings you are grateful for every day. This helps you focus more of your time and energy on the good in your life.

3. Check in on loved ones 

This is another easy way to let someone know you’re thankful for them. Send an email, write a letter or simply pick up the phone and call a loved one to express your gratitude.

4. Be thoughtful to others 

While it’s important to take care of yourself, it’s also important to think of others and their feelings. Try to be more mindful before you act or speak and think about how your own behaviors may impact those around you.