What Does It Mean To Be Grateful? (And How To Practice Gratitude In Daily Life)

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for the good things in life that can be cultivated through intentional habits. While not always easy, gratitude can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Research shows that there are both mental and physical benefits to making gratitude a daily habit. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be grateful and how you can start to incorporate gratitude in your daily life.

What does it mean to be grateful?

Being grateful generally means feeling thankful for what you have. It can be a way of showing appreciation for someone's kindness or help, especially during difficult times.

You can feel gratitude in many situations, like when something good happens unexpectedly or when you receive a special gift. It's also something you might develop as a personal quality. That means some people may naturally be more grateful than others, but everyone can work on being more grateful daily.

Practicing gratitude may be easier than you think. It usually involves focusing on the positive things in your life. You can do this by being mindful, writing in a journal, or verbally saying thank you to the people or things that have positively affected you. Making gratitude a part of your daily life may help you develop more positivity.

The effect of gratitude on positive actions

When we appreciate what and who we have in our lives, we tend to be more likely to do kind acts and be generous. This may create a cycle in which being grateful leads to positive actions and a greater appreciation for everything around us. Gratitude also can help us hold onto positive emotions like joy and satisfaction, which may help us live happier and more fulfilling lives. 

Gratitude may have positive effects on our health. Studies show that people who have a disposition oriented toward gratitude may experience better physical and psychological health.

Expressing gratitude can also have a lasting impact on our brain function. Researchers have found that people who practice gratitude regularly usually display changes in their brains associated with happiness, empathy, and psychological well-being. These changes may lead to a more positive view of life and a greater chance of positive action. Therefore, by improving our mental state, gratitude may set up a constant cycle of positivity and personal growth.

Overcoming obstacles to gratitude

Despite the considerable benefits of gratitude, practicing it may not always be straightforward. Sometimes, we may face hurdles that make it difficult to see the positives in life. These obstacles might include focusing too much on negative events, constantly comparing ourselves to others, or experiencing difficult life circumstances.

One common obstacle to gratitude can be dwelling on negative occurrences. We may easily fixate on the aspects of life that disappoint or frustrate us, leaving little room for appreciation of the positive. This negativity bias might overshadow the blessings that surround us. To overcome this, we can intentionally shift our focus, choosing to identify and reflect on the good in our lives, even amidst adversity.

Another barrier may be the trap of comparison. Living in a digitally connected world often triggers a cycle of comparing our lives with those of others, which might create feelings of inadequacy. However, it may be helpful to understand that people often share their highlights, not their struggles, online. Recognizing this can help us appreciate our unique journeys without negative comparisons.

In addition, life can present us with difficult situations that make it challenging to express gratitude. Whether it's personal hardships, financial struggles, or health problems, these situations might lead to despair. However, it's during these trying times that gratitude may have the most positive effects. It may not erase our troubles, but it may help us see beyond them and find hope.

Overcoming obstacles to gratitude doesn't necessarily mean ignoring the negative aspects of life. It's generally about finding a balance and being able to appreciate the positive aspects, even when times may be tough. This can lead to a better outlook on life, stronger relationships, and improved mental and physical health.

Practical ways to develop gratitude

One potential way to develop gratitude can be to express it regularly. A simple but impactful exercise may be to keep a gratitude journal where you write down things you're grateful for each day. This practice may help you focus on the positive aspects of life and create a lasting habit of gratitude. 

In addition to journaling, another way to practice gratitude can involve verbalizing appreciation. You might show gratitude to others by offering sincere compliments and expressing your thankfulness for their presence in your life. 

Mindfulness, or being fully present and aware of the moment, is another potential way to express gratitude. It may help us appreciate the small, everyday things and balance out our focus on negative events. It may also help us recognize our struggles without letting them take over our whole perspective.

Furthermore, using social media platforms may be a means of spreading gratitude. Sharing uplifting moments, lessons learned, or photos of beautiful places may contribute to a more positive online atmosphere and inspire those around you to share their own gratitude. Expressing gratitude through social media may be a valuable way to reinforce your practice while building a sense of community and positivity.

The therapeutic benefits of gratitude

Gratitude can be a powerful emotion that may have therapeutic benefits for mental health and personal growth. When individuals regularly practice gratitude, they may experience improved mood, increased happiness, and greater satisfaction with life. Showing gratitude can decrease stress hormones, potentially leading to short-term reductions in anxiety and improvements in mood. Acknowledging the positive things in life may shift the focus away from negative emotions and thoughts, which may lead to improved mental well-being.

In addition to its impact on mental health, expressing gratitude may also have positive effects on physical health and relationships. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can improve sleep quality, boost the immune system, and relieve pain. Individuals who express gratitude may also experience stronger social connections.

For long-term benefits, consider practicing gratitude daily. This can be as simple as reflecting on positive experiences throughout the day, maintaining a gratitude journal, or expressing appreciation toward others. By consistently taking the time to acknowledge and express gratitude, individuals may experience improvements in their mental health.

Are you looking for more ways to express gratitude in your life?

One potential way to learn and practice gratitude may be through online therapy. This method of therapy can help people connect with licensed mental health professionals from their homes. This level of flexibility means that people located in remote areas or with limited mobility can connect with a therapist without having to travel. In addition, online therapy may offer more flexible scheduling options, empowering people to attend sessions at times that work for them.

One study observed the effects of a five-week internet and app-based gratitude intervention on repetitive negative thinking, a known risk factor for depression and anxiety, in 260 participants. Researchers found that participants experienced less negative thinking, leading them to conclude that online interventions may positively impact mental health by reducing risk factors.

With the help of an expert, you can learn to effectively show gratitude and explore the potential benefits it has to offer, such as reducing negative feelings and boosting your overall mental health.