Being thankful and the overall feeling of gratitude seems to be beneficial not only emotionally but also physically. According to the result of a Harvard research article published in November of 2011, having a sense of gratitude and being thankful to life increase a person’s optimism and lessen the frequency of doctor visits.
The positive effect of gratitude is also seen in corporate settings, where managers expressing gratitude to employees feel more motivated to do their best. The research undoubtedly shows the positive effects of gratitude and how it can benefit a person’s life.
If you are to outline the perceived benefits of gratitude, you can see four main points that stand out.
Changing the perception of bad events
The main effect of gratitude, or simply being thankful, is that it improves one’s perspective on troubling events. Through the feeling of appreciation, every distressing phase in life will always have a silver lining. It makes coping more manageable, and the person becomes more optimistic.
Optimism opens doors
A go-getting attitude is always grounded on an optimistic personality. Gratitude helps foster that positive personality and makes it possible for someone to find solutions, no matter how seemingly desperate the situation continues to be.
You never take good things for granted
A strong feeling of gratitude will make a person value every good thing that has happened. If one continues to not take good things for granted, every success, no matter how small, is magnified, and the person feels more content in life.
Gratitude begets gratitude
If you are grateful for something, you will also be more considerate of other people. Many people who regularly get involved in philanthropy or any kind of charitable work are thankful for having the means to give.
So, start to look at life optimistically and take each event that you encounter with positivity. Be grateful. By being thankful to life, you will see the future unfold before your eyes filled with happiness and contentment.