Value Of Practicing Gratitude

“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action” Benjamin Disraeli (1870)

Most people would like to increase their happiness levels. Positive Psychology research has provided us with a wealth of knowledge of how individuals can increase their positive emotion which ultimately leads to increased happiness levels. But there is a catch. It requires action.

One action that has proven to increase happiness levels is practicing gratitude. Gratitude is simply being thankful for things in life. “Clinical trials indicate that the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting positive effects in a person's life. It can lower blood pressure, improve immune function, promote happiness and well-being, and spur acts of helpfulness, generosity, and cooperation” (Emmons & Stern, 2013, p.846). Practicing Gratitude is not complicated whatsoever. In fact, considering the return on investment it’s surprisingly simple.

For example, you might commit to practicing gratitude daily during you're morning shower or you could practice gratitude as you brush your teeth every night. Aligning your new gratitude practice with an already established daily action will make it significantly easier to maintain consistency and commitment. According to Angela Duckworth (2016) in her book on Grit, “Routines are a godsend when it comes to doing something hard. A mountain of research studies shows that when you have a habit of practicing at the same time and in the same place every day, you hardly have to think to about getting started. You just do” (p.139). This is the beauty of connecting your new gratitude practice to a habit or routine you already do daily. It becomes so much easier to take that first step of action which ultimately leads to your increased levels of