“The word gratitude means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context)”, said Paula Curtiss, Founding Director for Healing Hands School of Holistic Health. “Gratitude means we acknowledge and appreciate the good in our lives. Wisdom practices such as expressing gratitude, sharing, and giving, are integral to many indigenous cultures. Setting aside time to giv
e thanks for one’s blessings, has been scientifically proven to positively effect our holistic health. Below are just a few of the health benefits enjoyed by those who nurture an attitude of gratitude”, she added.
- Your Physical Health – People who practice gratitude regularly report feeling more energetic and healthier than those who don’t. They also experience fewer minor aches and pains and are more proactive about self-care. This includes eating healthfully, getting regular doctor checkups, and exercising.
- Your Psychological Health – Taking time to focus on those things/people/events we are grateful for, can help us release negative emotions. Gratitude effectively increases our level of happiness and boosts our sense of well-being.
- Enhances Your Self-esteem – The practice of gratitude can increase athlete’s self-esteem, which is essential to optimal performance. Gratitude reduces the need to compare yourself to others. It allows you to be happy for another’s good fortune and/or accomplishments.
- New Relationships – Most people respond positively to acknowledgement and appreciation. It makes them more likely to want an ongoing relationship. Acknowledging and appreciating other people’s contributions, strengths, skills, talent, or intellect can lead to new friendships and opportunities.
- Increases Emotional/Mental Strength – Focusing on all you have to be thankful for, is one of the simplest ways to boost your mood. Being able to recognize our blessings even in the face of extreme adversity or loss, builds emotional strength and resilience.
- Improves Sleep – A 2011 study found that people who took just 15 minutes nightly to acknowledge some of the things they are grateful for, enjoyed a better night’s sleep. These individuals also reported sleeping longer and feeling more rested than those who did not practice gratitude.
- Increases Empathy – People with an attitude of gratitude are more sensitive and empathetic toward others. They are more likely to express kindness, even when others behave unkindly. They are also less likely to retaliate if treated unfairly.
- Gratitude Helps to Evolve Our Personality. Studies reveal that individuals who express gratitude frequently experience more optimism, Spirituality and higher self-esteem. They also were found to be less self-centered and materialistic than those who were less appreciative.
Healing Hands offers two Certification Programs and more than 80 Massage and Holistic Health courses. Considered a trail-blazer in education of the Holistic Healing Arts, Healing Hands boasts three SoCal locations with day, evening and weekend classes. Learn more online at www.HealingHandsSchool.com or call us at (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills, (858) 505-1100 in (Kearny Mesa) San Diego, or (760) 746-9364 in Escondido.
Citations:
2014 study published in Emotion
Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher,
2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences
2012 study by the University of Kentucky.
2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being
2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology