The Proven Health Benefits of Keeping a Gratitude Diary: Boosting Well-being and Positive Thinking

From Oprah Winfrey to Richard Branson all hail the magic spell of gratitude. Gratitude has helped many in living a more successful and fuller life. So, in this blog, I bring to you the Proven health benefits of Gratitude diary writing!

Positive psychology research shows that “gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness.” Gratefulness can elevate one’s mood, release feel-good hormones, help people feel more positive, and improve their health. It also plays a very crucial role in building strong relationships.

Also Read: 5 most important health tips for a healthy life

Check out these scientifically Proven health benefits of Gratitude diary writing –

Health benefits of Gratitude diary writing!

1. Gratitude for your happy hormones

Sandhya, a 36-year-old woman battled the dark cloud of depression after she lost her husband in an accident. After spirals of counseling, she started to write notes on gratitude. Initially, it was difficult for her to see the light. But with little effort and perseverance, she got her lost smile.

Scientists studying positive psychology found that a one-time act of thoughtful gratitude has amazing effects. It produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms. 

2. Gratitude for your romantic relationship

How often do you say thank you to your partner and actually mean it?  A recent study found that gratitude made the partners more responsive to each other’s needs. And such partners find satisfaction in their relationship.

So, apart from love you and sorry, thank you is the mantra of happy relationships.

3. Gratitude builds the ladder to success

A national survey on gratitude reported that work is the last place people think about gratitude. Only 10% of people say thank you to their colleagues while 60% never express gratitude at work.

However, Scientific research from notable psychologists quoted grateful people are more likely to be more successful.

A highly cited study found that people who wrote down what they were grateful for were better prepared. Further, they were more focused which leads them to success.

4. Gratitude brings the gift of sound sleep

An IT professional from Bangalore suffered from disturbed sleep owing to his stressed life. Office politics and long hours on the desk also impacted his mental state.

He started practicing gratefulness before bed. This evoked positive thoughts which helped him get a sound, peaceful sleep. He also said that he was able to fall asleep fast after practicing gratitude.

Researchers at the University of Manchester in England conducted a study on over 400 adults of all ages – 40% with sleep disorders which showed a link between gratitude diary writing and better sleep.

5. Gratitude for your  healthy life

According to a 2012 study published in Personality, people who practice gratitude daily experience fewer aches and pains and live a healthier life. Nurturing positivity and feeling good about life cast a positive impact on overall health.

People who work on the principles of gratitude exercise more often and take better care of their health.

Research: Here are five studies that demonstrate the health benefits of keeping a gratitude diary:

1. “Gratitude and Well-Being: A Review and Theoretical Integration” (2015): This review found that gratitude interventions, such as keeping a gratitude diary, are associated with improved psychological well-being and decreased symptoms of depression.
   
2. “The Role of Gratitude in Development: A Review of Literature” (2016): This study found that gratitude practices, such as keeping a gratitude diary, can improve psychological well-being and increase life satisfaction.
   
3. “A Daily Dose of Thanks: The Benefits of a Gratitude Intervention for College Students” (2015): This study found that keeping a gratitude diary led to improved well-being, reduced symptoms of depression, and increased life satisfaction among college students.
   
4. “Gratitude and Sleep: A Review of the Literature” (2016): This study found that gratitude practices, such as keeping a gratitude diary, are associated with improved sleep quality.
   
5. “The Impact of Gratitude Interventions on Psychological Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis” (2015): This meta-analysis found that gratitude interventions, such as keeping a gratitude diary, are associated with improved psychological well-being, reduced symptoms of depression, and increased life satisfaction.
   

Take away!

So, in conclusion, gratitude does lead you to a happy space. It evokes feelings of contentment and satisfaction. These are very important to attain a place of peace. Further, gratitude makes you more open to receiving the blessings around you!

So, All you need to do is STOP. LOOK and THANK.