Is There A Difference Between Thankfulness And Gratitude?

FACT: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FEEL DEPRESSED AND GRATEFUL AT THE SAME TIME!

THE BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE

Physical

The Mindfulness Awareness Research Center of UCLA found that gratitude changes the brain's neural structures and makes us feel happier and more content. Feeling grateful and appreciating others when they do something good for us triggers the 'good' hormones and regulates effective functioning of the immune system.**

1. Better Sleep

Studies have shown that receiving and displaying gratitude activates the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain responsible for regulating bodily functions such as sleep, metabolism, and hunger. A brain filled with gratitude and kindness is more likely to sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and energetic every morning (Zahn et al., 2009).**

2. Longer Life

3. More Energy

4. More Exercise

Emotional

Gratitude in all forms is associated with happiness. Whether we say 'thank you' to someone or receive the same from others, the feeling it brings is that of pure satisfaction and encouragement. Expressions of gratitude help in building and sustaining long term relationships, dealing with adversities, and bouncing back from them with strength and motivation.**

Gratitude fosters adaptive coping mechanisms. By managing positive emotions like satisfaction, happiness, and pleasure, gratitude enhances our emotional resilience and builds our inner strength to combat stress [Gloria & Steinhardt, 2016].**

1. More Resilience

A cross-sectional study published in the International Journal of Social Psychiatry found a strong positive correlation between gratitude, resilience, and feelings of happiness. The study was conducted on a large adult population sample, and statistical treatment showed that participants who felt more grateful and practiced gratitude journaling were found happier and emotionally stronger than others (McCanlies, Gu, Andrew, & Violanti, 2018).**

2. More Good Feeling

3. Happier Memories

4. More Relaxed

5. Reduces Emotional Stress

Gratitude is a natural antidepressant. When we express gratitude, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for emotions. They immediately make a person feel happy from the inside. When we consciously express gratitude every day, it can help our brain's neural pathways strengthen themselves and create a permanent, grateful, and positive attitude within.

By consciously practicing gratitude, we can train the brain to attend selectively to positive emotions and thoughts, thus reducing anxiety and feelings of apprehension. Being grateful and expressing it outwardly, we gain the power to combat and cope with the stress.**

Social Benefits

Gratitude helps to sustain relationships and appreciate people who are there for us. As a result, we will feel more loved, cared for, and hopeful.

1. More Friendly

2. Better Marriage

3. More Respect

4. More Friends

5. Deeper Relationships

Spiritual

Gratitude helps us to see the positive things in life and replaces pessimistic thoughts with optimistic ones so that we stay grounded in Jesus and accept our present situation, even if it is a harsh reality.