The Power of Appreciation: 7 Things You Might Not Know About Gratitude

Noted author, Professor of Psychology, and world expert on the science of gratitude Dr. Robert Emmons claims “Gratitude has the power to heal, to energize, and change lives.” That’s a lofty claim for practicing what your mother told you to do when you were just a kid. But, always saying “thank you” goes beyond being polite. Expressing gratitude is every bit as transformative as Dr. Emmons suggests, and has the power to impact all pockets of your life. From your personal life, to your career, and even your financial standing, practicing gratitude will give you an advantage you could never imagine.

Taking for Granted Syndrome

Ours seems to be a pessimistic society, in which appreciation is seldom shown, nor recognized. From social media, to workplace meetings, to the interactions we have with others, our knee-jerk reaction seems to be one of dissatisfaction and discontent. We take offense at the musings posted on twitter, ponder the actions of coworkers as dubious, and become frustrated to the point of anger with other people on the road, in the store, or in our own neighborhood.

Much of our skepticism and displeasure has become our ‘way of life’. We don’t appreciate the daily blessings of health, prosperity, freedom, or the people we love, or just being alive. Very often, the value of the good things in our lives isn’t appreciated until we no longer have them. If we fall ill, lose our partner, our homes, or the quality of life to which we’ve become accustomed, only then do we feel a sense of gratitude, mixed with regret.

Of course, it’s human nature to adapt to our habitual way of life, and what was once impressive becomes mundane. This is called the Taking for Granted Syndrome. When we first move into that upscale home, commit to a life partner, advance to that dream job, the feeling of excitement is palpable and even overwhelming. But, once we become familiar, these life experiences lose that “new car smell” and the successes we yearned for often times become commonplace.

Happiness Begins with Appreciation

Happiness, with our life status, our possessions, and those people whom we love, is transitory. Anything of value can be “here today, gone tomorrow”, so it only makes sense that expressing gratitude for that which brings us joy, no matter how small, should be our knee-jerk reaction, instead of taking life and all it’s wonder for granted.

When practiced daily gratitude can heal, empower, and completely transform our lives. The power of appreciation is something we can all avail ourselves of, by simply practicing the 3 Good Things” exercise pioneered by Dr. Marty Seligman.  Simply record 3 positive moments in your life each day. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the art of mindful gratitude. As the practice becomes rote, you will find yourself transformed into an optimistic and happier human being.

  When you begin to cultivate the quality of thankfulness, your life becomes more meaningful.

Here are 7 examples of ways your life can be enhanced and transformed by the daily practice of gratitude:

1. When we show appreciation for those individuals who are a part of our lives, those feelings of gratitude become reciprocal. Relationships deepen, become cemented, and grow, exponentially. Hurts are more easily healed, and each party feels a sense of fulfillment.

2. Physical Health. Physically, gratitude is the antithesis of stress. Where stress promotes inflammation, hypertension, and a weakened immune system, the act of appreciation can cause a slower heart rhythm, better breathing, and overall cardiovascular improvements.

3. Emotional Well-Being. The emotional benefits of gratitude go hand-in-hand with the physical benefits. When you feel appreciative of life and its many blessings, you aren’t as fretful, events aren’t as worrisome, and you relax. This sense of calm can counter situational depression, release oxytocin, the bonding hormone, and improve your mood, overall.

4. Reduced Aggression. The emotions of frustration, anger, and envy are toxic. These emotions feed and fester in a non-grateful environment, resulting in aggression and an acting out. When you practice mindful gratitude, you’re less likely to become angry, or aggressive. The pervasive sense of calm you feel in appreciation for your life’s blessings discourages negative and toxic emotions.

5. Better Sleep. As the old song goes “If you’re worried and you can’t sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep. And you’ll go to sleep counting your blessings”. Science has found Irving Berlin knew what he was talking about all those years ago. Just 15 minutes spent recounting your gratitude in a gratitude journal, can lead to a better night’s sleep.

6. Boosted Self-Esteem. Practicing appreciation fosters a feeling of fulfillment and tempers any jealousy or resentment you might feel toward others who seem to “have it all”. Once you appreciate your own circumstances, you can celebrate the accomplishments of others, which leads to a deeper sense of self-esteem.

7. Increased Mental Resilience. Recognizing all that you have, and appreciating it, can help you through the tough times in your life. Science has found the practice of gratitude reduces the impact of traumatic events, and can lessen the effects of post-traumatic stress significantly.

Practice Appreciation

Begin a gratitude journal. You don’t need to commit a lot of time, simply write down 3 Good Things” a day.  Do this for a week, then have a look at what you’ve recorded. You’ll be surprised. It seems science is recognizing that your mother was right all along. Saying thank you is more than just good manners.  Gratitude really can change your life!  What are you grateful for today?