“The gratitude effect” is how it improves your mental health
Have you ever noticed how a simple, sincere “thank you” can brighten your day? Gratitude is much more than a simple courtesy; it is a powerful force that positively influences our minds and our relationships.
By cultivating this attitude, we can not only improve our mental health, but also create deeper connections with those around us.
The benefits of the gratitude effect on mental health
When we express gratitude, our brain releases oxytocin, often called the love hormone. This chemical strengthens feelings of connection and trust between individuals. By regularly practicing gratitude, we enter an upward spiral of well-being: the more grateful we are, the happier we feel, and the more we want to express our gratitude.
Grateful people tend to focus on the positive aspects of their lives, naturally filtering out the small annoyances of everyday life. They attribute happy events to the good intentions of those around them rather than to chance. This attitude promotes greater emotional openness, making it possible to strengthen intimacy in relationships, recalls Gary W. Lewandowski, psychologist in an article in Psychology Today.
Psychological shield
Couples who practice gratitude communicate better during conflicts and feel more emotionally secure. Expressing gratitude can thus serve as a psychological shield during difficult times. For example, instead of focusing on what’s wrong, these couples emphasize each other’s good qualities, which makes it easier to resolve problems.
Adopting a “gratitude shift” means consciously shifting our attention from lacks to the riches we already have. This does not mean ignoring challenges, but rather approaching them with a positive outlook. By focusing on what is going well, we increase our resilience to stress and improve our mental health.
How to integrate gratitude into your daily life
Here are some simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily life. Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things each day that you are grateful for. It can be as simple as a smile received or a good meal shared. Express your gratitude to others: Take the time to say “thank you” in a sincere way to the people who matter to you. This will strengthen your bond and bring joy to both of you.
Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to the small pleasures of everyday life. Savor the song of the birds, the warmth of the sun or the comfort of your home. Turn apologies into thanks: Instead of saying “Sorry for the delay,” try “Thanks for waiting for me.” This simple change in language can change your state of mind and that of your interlocutor. Share your successes: Celebrate your successes, even the smallest ones, and recognize the efforts that allowed you to get there.