How Gratitude Increases your Level of Happiness
According to a study by Harvard health, practicing gratitude has been consistently associated with a greater level of happiness. But what is gratitude? Gratitude is thankful appreciation for what an individual receives. Gratitude allows people to acknowledge the good things in their lives. And this may be the secret to happiness.
When you practice gratitude you move emotions in the direction of allowing you to feel and experience more positive emotions, to more fully enjoy their experiences. A new study shows that only thinking about gratitude can lead people to increased enthusiasm, optimism, and happiness. Its as simple as thanking people.
Happiness, however, is not simply an emotion. It is so much more. Happiness is how good you feel and your satisfaction with your life. It includes a deep sense of meaning and purpose in your life. When we are grateful and OK with things the way they are, happiness is produced.
Gratitude has a strong positive impact on your psychological well-being. It releases the hormone oxytocin, among other hormones, which produces feelings of trust, generosity, social bonding, and feeling connected.
One way to practice gratitude is to simply make gratitude a habit. A gratitude journal is a great habit to start and use every day. You can start at any time, at any moment, on any day. Another way is to simply pay attention and notice the things around you that you are grateful for. They can be anything such as a small acts of kindness or that the sun is shining. Be creative with what you are thankful for. There is no right or wrong. Gratitude, Being Grateful a Little Journey, can help you to get started and give you some ideas. Take a moment to be grateful today. I am grateful for you. Thank you 😊
