There are a number of benefits of practising Gratitude on a regular basis, these include:
- Less stress,
- More accepting of social difficulties,
- More forgiving,
- More generous,
- Greater joy and pleasure in activities,
- Closer to friends and family,
- Improved ability to cope with life challenges.
In addition to the above, the University of California, in their study of more than 1000 people (aged 8-80) who practise regular gratitude, report health benefits too:
- Longer sleep,
- More regular exercise,
- Lower blood pressure,
- Reduced impact of aches and pains,
- Stronger immune systems.
A 1998 study by McCraty et al showed a reduction in the cortisol (stress) level in the body after cultivating appreciative thoughts. Seligman, Steen, and Peterson in 2005 reported a month’s worth of elevated happiness after writing one thank you letter.