10 Ways to Be Grateful and Be Blessed

You can have the following blessings when you cultivate the attribute of gratitude and become a grateful person:

1. Improved Mental Health

Being grateful lowers your cortisol levels, which reduces any stress and anxiety you may have. You tend to have more positive thoughts, which helps to combat feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and depression.

Expressing gratitude daily improves your overall happiness and life satisfaction. As you focus on what you are grateful for, you quit being self-critical, which boosts your self-worth.

Reference: Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). “Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

2. Enhanced Relationships

As you express gratitude to family and friends, you strengthen those relationships with increasing trust and affection. You are naturally more positive and empathetic in your speech, improving understanding and resolving conflicts. Being appreciative, you’ll likely receive more help and support from friends and colleagues.

Reference: Algoe, S. B. (2012). “Find, remind, and bind: The functions of gratitude in everyday relationships.” Personal Relationships.

3. Physical Health Benefits

Being grateful rewards you with quality sleep due to your positive mindset and reduced anxiety. It gives you a stronger immune system, making you less susceptible to illness.

When you’re stressed, you can lower blood pressure and improve heart health simply by looking around and naming five things you’re grateful for. Focusing on what you are grateful for tends to lower your pain levels as positive emotions alter the brain’s pain response.

References: Wood, A. M., Joseph, S., & Linley, P. A. (2009). “Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration.” Clinical Psychology Review; Creswell, J. D., et al. (2005). “Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation.” Psychosomatic Medicine.

4. Increased Resilience and Coping

You are grateful for challenges, viewing them as growth opportunities, which lets you cope effectively with the stress they produce. Being grateful gives you an optimistic outlook, which helps you navigate hardships with hope and determination. Your more flexible and adaptable in the face of adversity, making it easier for you to bounce back.

References: Fredrickson, B. L., et al. (2003). “Gratitude and well-being: The benefits of appreciation.” Psychological Science; Kashdan, T. B., et al. (2006). “Gratitude and well-being: The benefits of appreciation.” Psychological Science.

5. Cognitive and Psychological Benefits

Being grateful keeps your mind centered on the present moment, reducing distractions and enhancing focus. Practicing gratitude increases your mindfulness and lets you appreciate the present and avoid dwelling on past mistakes or future anxieties. You solve problems with a positive and resourceful mindset. You’re able to regulate emotions, dump negative reactions and replace them with a balanced emotional state.

References: Zeidan, F., et al. (2010). “Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: Evidence of brief mental training.” Consciousness and cognition; Kerr, J. H., et al. (2007). “The role of gratitude in enhancing psychological well-being.” Journal of Positive Psychology.

6. Social and Community Benefits

Your gratitude helps you and others to cooperate, creating community and collective well-being. Expressing your gratitude increases your social support networks as others respond to your positive energy. You inspire others to adopt positive habits and mindsets, creating a more supportive and optimistic social community.

References: McCullough, M. E., et al. (2001). “Gratitude as a human strength: The benefits of appreciation.” Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin; Bartlett, M. Y., & DeSteno, D. (2006). “Gratitude and prosocial behavior: Helping when it costs you.” Psychological Science.

7. Increased Motivation and Productivity

When you’re grateful, you are more motivated and engaged, which leads to greater achievement and success in many aspects of your life. You have more focus, energy, and drive, leading to higher productivity and better performance at work or school.

Reference: Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). “Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

8. Spiritual Benefits

Your gratitude helps you find your purpose and see God’s hand in your life, leading to your spiritual growth and understanding. You understand your mission and seek to achieve it. You gain meaning and fulfillment in your life, contributing to your overall spiritual well-being.

Reference: Emmons, R. A. (2004). The Psychology of Gratitude. Oxford University Press.

9. Better Decision-Making

Being grateful, you’ll have a broader, more balanced view of situations. You’ll make well-informed, thoughtful decisions in most situations. You’ll have more consideration for long-term consequences.

Reference: Hansen, S. H., et al. (2010). “Gratitude and decision-making.” Journal of Behavioral Decision Making.

10. Improved Leadership and Workplace Environment

When you express gratitude in leading others, you create a positive work culture, which boosts morale and loyalty in your team. This increases your collaboration, producing a harmonious work environment.

Reference: Grant, A. M., & Gino, F. (2010). “A little thanks goes a long way: Explaining why gratitude expressions motivate prosocial behavior.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Write down what you are grateful for every day in your Gratitude Journal and practice the above recommendations to be blessed as God knew you would be in all aspects of your daily life.