Saying “thank you” is a polite way to show your appreciation for what someone else has done. But did you know gratitude is so much more than a social courtesy? Living life with a thankful heart can actually deliver a variety of surprising health benefits. Here are some of the top reasons why you should make gratitude a conscious and ever-present part of your life.
Reduced Stress
Research shows that gratitude may result in reduced feelings of stress and anxiety. Since stress and anxiety affect so many people, it’s important to understand how gratitude may help improve overall feelings of well-being and resilience.
Gratitude helps to lower cortisol levels in the body. Since cortisol is one of the primary stress hormones, lowering it can help you handle the normal pressures of life in a healthier way. To further reduce your stress levels, consider receiving regular massages from Newport Medical and Wellness Center.
Improved Digestive Health
Did you know digestive issues impact over 60,000,000 people? If you’re one of them, you may be able to experience improved digestive health by showing gratitude regularly. The link between gratitude and improved digestive health may have to do with the way gratitude tends to reduce anxiety levels.
People with anxiety often experience digestive upset as well as other unpleasant symptoms. As you reduce your feelings of stress by focusing on what you’re grateful for instead of what you’re worried about, you may notice fewer stomach pains and improved digestive health.
Clearer Skin
Everyone wants clearer skin. The problem is that many people aren’t sure how to get rid of chronic blemishes and acne. While Newport Medical and Wellness Center offers laser services proven to improve and enhance the health of your skin, did you know you can also improve your skin by simply adopting a cheerful attitude?
That’s right, gratitude has been linked to clearer, more radiant skin. While gratitude alone may not be enough to help you combat stubborn blemishes, it should become part of your general skincare routine. As discussed earlier, gratitude reduces cortisol levels. Cortisol is not only the main driver behind stress and anxiety, but it’s also a primary culprit in the aging process. Lowering it will help you obtain clearer, more youthful skin.
Improved Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. There are so many pressures in life that can sabotage your mental health, which is why it’s important to take time to focus on self-care and self-improvement. Expressing gratitude every day can help you feel more optimistic and happier with your life. People who consciously recognize their blessings tend to be less depressed than those who focus on all the things they don’t like about their lives.
Better Sleep
Have you ever noticed how your drive to succeed tends to skyrocket after a good night’s sleep? The nice thing about being grateful is that it can improve your quality of sleep and help you feel refreshed and energetic the next day.
Begin Focusing on Gratitude
As you can see, being grateful can bless your life even more than it blesses the lives of those around you. For optimal health, take care of yourself and start focusing on the positive. Then get ready to reap the health benefits of living a grateful life.
