Gratitude: 6 ways practicing it can actually prevent several diseases

"Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy" - Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

Gratitude is a ‘medicine’ you don’t take but rather express! Being Grateful costs you nothing, yet gives you something priceless in return. Numerous studies have proven- A grateful mind leads to a healthy life. The best part is, taking a moment to appreciate things can provide bigger benefits than you may think. Gratitude isn’t just a state of mind that gives 'feel good' emotions. It releases a number of ‘healing’ hormones that play a powerful role in improving physical and mental well-being, thus, preventing the risk of many non-communicable diseases.

Gratitude lowers the risk of Heart-related issues
Gratitude can help live longer, especially by improving heart health. An observational study analyzed by Harvard University found older women who practiced gratitude suffered 9% lower risk of cardiovascular deaths.
Gratitude reduces stress hormones, including cortisol which reduces chronic inflammation and maintains heart rhythms.

Gratitude improves the quality of sleep
Sleep is better when we have less to worry about. Gratitude helps us accept things the way they are and helps us get rid of worrisome thoughts.

The UK National Institutes of Health (NIH) backs a study conducted by the Journal of Psychosomatic Research where they explored how gratitude directly influences the ability to fall and stay asleep. The researchers found, the secret to good sleep lies in bedtime thoughts.

The antidepressant that fosters emotional well-being
Depression targets people who ponder over negative thoughts. Gratitude intervention breaks this cycle by increasing the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the brain and works as an antidepressant.

Gratitude strengthens the immune system
Our immune system is highly sensitive to our emotional state. Studies identify chronic stress can interfere with the immune system and thus, weaken it.
The immune system gets indirect benefits from Gratitude intervention. Reduced stress hormones, increased positive emotions and better sleep collectively lead to a boosted immune system.

Gratitude encourages healthier habits
Gratefulness brings a change in our overall mindset. It teaches us to cherish what we have rather than looking for what we can’t have. This helps in adapting healthier habits.

Practicing Gratitude doesn’t need to be pushed
Gratitude is a mindful practice that demands nothing more than a thoughtful appreciation. Adapting simple habits like journaling, often saying thank you, and appreciating everyday things are enough. Sometimes, shifting your perspective, living moments as experiences rather than a challenge nurtures the positives of life.