The Science of Gratitude
Hailey Wiseman, who recently joined our staff as Communications Content Manager, shared this devotion with the staff at our weekly meeting. We loved it, and wanted to share it with you.
Let’s be real – the last few years have been hard. The world seems to have been spinning in the wrong direction with all that has happened since March 2020. We have picked up masks as an almost-permanent fashion statement, we’ve gone years without seeing friends or family members, sickness has ravished all parts of the world, and on top of all that – life still goes on.
There is still the growing pile of laundry that somehow never seems to end (and when you wash and dry, the task is still only half done?!), the dishes seem to pile up faster than we can get them cleaned, and we still have to do things that are the bane of my adult existence like going to the post office and getting our oil changed. I really think if some of us hear the phrase “new normal” again, we may go into hiding.
When the weight of the world is really pulling at us, what are we to do? Sure, we could sit around and sulk, waiting for everyone to join in on our solo pity party. We could complain to our spouse or our friends (which we know will surely improve their day!), or – we could make a different choice. Instead of grumbling about our days, we could choose to be grateful.
I know what you’re thinking – Hailey, that is way easier said than done. I know, I know.
But, the good news is, there is scientific proof showing that gratitude will make you happier, healthier, and improve your overall quality of life. According to a vast majority of psychologists, researchers, and experts, gratitude is one of the few things that can literally change our lives for the better. There is a strong correlation between increased feelings of happiness and self-worth and giving or receiving gratitude, so much so that one is practically a function of the other. We are happy because we are grateful, not the other way around.
Why does being grateful matter, anyway?
A 2014 study published in Emotion found that thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship with you.
Grateful people sleep better. Spending just fifteen minutes a day journaling about things you’re grateful for has been scientifically linked to better – and longer – nights of rest.
Gratitude increases mental strength. Research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. Two studies were done – one on Vietnam War vets and one on those afflicted by the terrorist attacks on September 11th – and they found those who regularly practiced displays of gratitude experienced lower rates of PTSD. Forbes says “Recognizing all you have to be thankful for – even during the worst times – fosters resilience.”
James 1:2-4 reads, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
With that, I’d love to share this video from SoulPancake and provide a challenge to each of you today.
I challenge each of you to take a moment to write a letter to someone who has been impactful in your life. If you will see them this week, read the letter to them in person. If not, give them a call. You never know – it might just make you both a little bit happier.
Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg