The Importance of a Gratitude Practice

Developing a gratitude practice is key in creating a sustainable mindfulness routine.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude improves your mental health by increasing your overall happiness over time according to Robert Emmons, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis. The practice allows you to focus on the present - allowing you to be aware of what is going well now. Focusing on the present and what is going well mitigates anxiety and depression because you are cultivating present awareness instead of focusing on the past or future.

Why is Gratitude important?
Gratitude sets you up for a more mindful lifestyle because you are functioning from a sense of abundance and clarity rather than fear and scarcity. When you show gratitude towards yourself, you’re setting yourself up for success in your physical, mental and social health.

• Physical Health Benefits

  • Stronger immune system

  • Lower blood pressure

  • Tendency to exercise more and take better care of their health

  • Ability to sleep longer and feel rejuvenated after rest 

• Mental Health Benefits 

  • Higher levels of positive emotions

  • More alert, alive, and awake

  • More joy and pleasure

  • More optimism and overall happiness

• Social Health Benefits 

  • More helpful, generous, and compassionate

  • More forgiving towards yourself and others

  • More outgoing in social life and work

  • Better sense of community

I encourage you to begin your practice by writing down 3 things per day that you’re grateful for. Click here for a guide gratitude meditation.