Written by Cindy Boussemart, a freelance writer from Ecaillon, France

Gratitude is a positive emotion that can make a real difference in your life and the life of your loved ones. It has many health, relational, intellectual, and spiritual benefits.

Health Benefits:

Quite simply, gratitude helps you feel good, and there’s a science to back up this claim. Gratitude helps you feel good by creating dopamine in your brain, which is a neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s reward and pleasure center. According to a study, practicing gratitude could add 7 years more to your life. Another study proved that gratitude helps people suffering of heart failure (grade one) to cure of this illness. It also helps us resist daily stress.

Social Benefits:

Gratitude helps people bond. Just simply saying ‘thank you’ can make you feel closer to someone. When we express gratitude, people feel recognized and appreciated, which is an important part of developing and maintaining healthy relationships. In addition, it also feels satisfying and good, selfishly speaking, to serve others. Being grateful makes our lives feel much more meaningful.

Intellectual Benefits:

Gratitude plays a role in your brain functioning, specifically with your memory. When you feel grateful, you are more likely to create a lasting memory of an event. It also helps you recognize the great opportunities of life and keeps you away from negative things, which increases your ability to live a more full life. For someone looking for a life with no regrets and sweet memories, a life of gratitude is the way to go.

Conclusion:

Gratitude can change your life, but only if you practice it often (daily if possible). There are plenty of ways you can practice gratitude, whether by smiling at someone, writing letters, journaling, giving someone your time, showing support, or giving a gift to a loved one. So, make all of your days like Thanksgiving. Be grateful and kind to others, you will live a longer, healthier, higher-esteemed, and connected life.