“Gratitude is strongly associated with better health. People who are more grateful report fewer health problems, sleep better, and feel more energetic. Gratitude has a direct connection with well-being and is associated with physical health outcomes such as lower blood pressure and improved immune function.”
“Gratitude is not just an emotion; it’s a health-promoting practice. Studies indicate that people who regularly express gratitude report better sleep, lower blood pressure, and fewer physical symptoms of illness.”
Proof in the research:
On reducing stress and improving cardiovascular health: “In one study, participants who practiced gratitude showed a 15% reduction in cortisol (the stress hormone) and a significant decrease in heart rate after just two weeks." — David DeSteno
On extending lifespan: According to a medical study that focuses on the risk of developing heart disease and risk for death among women, participants who scored high in optimism only had a 9% risk of developing heart illness. Optimistic women also scored 14% lower risk of dying compared to women who scored high in cynicism and hostility. (Boyles, 2009)
On glucose control: Practicing gratitude has led to lower levels of Hemoglobin A1c, which is a glucose control indicator that helps in the diagnosis of diabetes. According to this study, grateful individuals have been reported to have their Hemoglobin A1c levels decrease by 9-13% (Emmons, R. A., McCullough, M. E., & Tsang, J, (2015).
On overeating: Susan Peirce Thompson, Ph.D., a cognitive scientist and expert in the psychology of eating, cites that practicing gratitude reinforces an individual’s willpower to resist excessive eating.
On heart illness: According to a study, the practice of gratitude contributes to reducing the biomarkers of inflammation by 7% among individuals diagnosed with congestive heart failure (UC Davis Health, 2015).
“Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving mental health. Research shows that people who regularly express gratitude experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.”
“Gratitude has been shown to reduce negative emotions like envy, resentment, and frustration, which can lead to greater emotional stability. In fact, gratitude helps train our minds to focus on the positive, reducing rumination and fostering a greater sense of mental peace.”
Proof in the research:
On depression: A review of 70 studies that include responses from more than 26,000 people found an association between higher levels of gratitude and lower levels of depression. (Iodice JA, Malouff JM, Schutte NS, 2021).
On overall mental health: Participants who underwent gratitude interventions had 6.86% higher greater satisfaction with life, better mental health: 5.8% and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression: 7.76% and 6.89% lower scores, respectively (Diniz G, Korkes L, Tristão LS, Pelegrini R, Bellodi PL, Bernardo WM.).
On resiliency: According to a study, gratitude can promote positive outcomes after a traumatic experience, which then helps establish resilience toward the adverse effects left by a negative encounter (Vieselmeyer et al., 2017, pp. 62-69).
On overall well-being: Practicing gratitude brings the focus toward intangible but more valuable things in life that contribute to the overall well-being, such as accomplishing goals, fostering healthy relationships, nurturing career growth, maintaining a positive outlook in life, and more (Polak and McCullough, 2006).
“Gratitude has a profound impact on workplace dynamics. Our research shows that when employees express and receive gratitude, it strengthens social bonds, improves cooperation, and leads to higher levels of job satisfaction and productivity.”
“Gratitude has the power to transform workplace culture. Leaders who practice gratitude and encourage their employees to do the same create environments of trust, respect, and high morale—leading to improved performance, lower turnover, and stronger organizational outcomes.”
Proof in the research:
On depression: A review of 70 studies that include responses from more than 26,000 people found an association between higher levels of gratitude and lower levels of depression. (Iodice JA, Malouff JM, Schutte NS, 2021).
On overall mental health: Participants who underwent gratitude interventions had 6.86% higher greater satisfaction with life, better mental health: 5.8% and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression: 7.76% and 6.89% lower scores, respectively (Diniz G, Korkes L, Tristão LS, Pelegrini R, Bellodi PL, Bernardo WM.).
On resiliency: According to a study, gratitude can promote positive outcomes after a traumatic experience, which then helps establish resilience toward the adverse effects left by a negative encounter (Vieselmeyer et al., 2017, pp. 62-69).
On overall well-being: Practicing gratitude brings the focus toward intangible but more valuable things in life that contribute to the overall well-being, such as accomplishing goals, fostering healthy relationships, nurturing career growth, maintaining a positive outlook in life, and more (Polak and McCullough, 2006).