Hi there,

I felt it appropriate to address the mental health effects of being grateful. Harvard medical school looks into what Gratitude means and defines it as grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. In other words, Gratitude is showing appreciation for what we have or receive. However, as we march closer to the holiday season, only some feel grateful or happy about the festivities. The holiday season can be filled with anxiety, sadness, or depression. So instead of showing Gratitude during the holiday season, showing Gratitude year-round can help improve your mental health.

Harvard University says, “Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Gratitude can:

1. Improve your mood

2. Increase optimism

3. Improve social relationships

4. Improve your physical and mental health

Gratitude can change the brain:

1. Unshackles us from toxic emotions

2. When you tell yourself what you are grateful for, even if you don’t share it, it helps you be happier

3. The benefits of gratitude can take time

4. Gratitude has long-lasting effects on the brain

No matter what happens in your life or challenges, a little gratitude goes a long way. Start with yourself and love yourself through challenges. Berkeley University sums up the process of gratitude as “gratitude reverses our priorities to help us appreciate the people and things we do.”

Resources

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier#:~:text=In%20positive%20psychology%20research%2C%20gratitude,adversity%2C%20and%20build%20strong%20relationships.

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2020/05/gratitude

https://www.lifeskillssouthflorida.com/mental-health-blog/5-ways-being-thankful-impacts-your-mental-health/

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain