Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

We all know gratitude is important. If you’re a mother, you may remind your children to be grateful several times each day. However, gratitude goes beyond a quick thank you or a reminder to keep you content. Gratitude is a practice that can offer many health benefits for your body and mind.

Gratitude is an often overlooked tool that we access anytime to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.

Mental Health

There’s a clear link between gratitude and positive mental health outcomes, increased happiness, and feeling more satisfied in life. A 2020 study found that regularly practicing gratitude can have a positive effect on symptoms of anxiety and depression. In addition, practicing gratitude has been linked to improving overall mood.

Improving your mental health can help you feel better mentally, and according to a 2004 research review, it can also help you boost your immune system to fight off illness.

Next time you feel the feelings of stress and overwhelm creeping in, write down a few things you’re grateful for while you take a few deep breaths.

Physical Health

Many studies have shown that practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on several areas of physical health. For example, one study followed individuals who kept a gratitude journal for 14 days. Afterward, they reported fewer headaches, clearer skin, less stomach pain, and reduced congestion. Another study found that gratitude helps to improve blood pressure, while another found it can help you fall asleep and sleep more soundly.

If you suffer from physical health problems, practicing gratitude may positively affect your body and mind.

Relational Health

In addition to improving your mental and physical health, practicing gratitude can improve your social and relationship health. One study found that couples who demonstrated gratitude toward one another reported more relationship satisfaction and improved happiness. In the workplace, this study found that employees who received gratitude expressed by their managers felt more motivated and productive.

In your home or workplace, practice expressing gratitude to those around you and see how it may improve your relationships

How to Practice Gratitude

Developing a mindset of gratitude can take practice. The more you notice ways to be grateful in your day-to-day, the better you will feel mentally and physically. Here are a few ways to implement gratitude practice in your daily life.

Meditation

A great time to practice gratitude is during your meditation practice. As you focus on your breathing, bring to mind the things you’re grateful for. Then, list things big and small that bring joy into your life.

Journaling

Journaling is a great way to be intentional with your gratitude practice. Writing down 3-5 things you’re grateful for each day can help you create a habit of gratitude.

Sharing

Sharing your gratitude with a partner or friends is a great way to strengthen your relationship, encourage positivity, and hold yourself accountable to your practice. Especially when you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or find yourself voicing negativity, speaking out something you’re grateful for can help you refocus and calm your mind and body.

Volunteering

Your initial treatment will begin with an assessment and analysis of your skin. We’ll discuss any specific concerns and establish your goals for treatment. From there, we will perform a combination of body and facial acupuncture to balance the skin from the inside. Afterward, you will experience calm, sculpted, and glowing skin.

The Pain Free Project

At Calm San Diego, gratitude is at the forefront of everything we do. We recognize the impact gratitude can have on our physical and mental well-being and on those around us. One of the ways we practice gratitude and give back is through The Pain Free Project.

The Pain Free Project , founded by Calm founder Angela Yvonne, is a unique organization benefiting survivors of human sex trafficking through holistic healthcare opportunities and wellness events. The Pain Free Project believes that by making natural treatments accessible, survivors will find restored health and a pain free future.

Angela’s previous work as a social worker exposed her to several populations suffering from stress, trauma, and anxiety. It’s one of the main reasons she founded Calm and why she cares so deeply for each of her patients. Angela is an excellent example of how we can all find ways to give back!

Give Back With The Calm Community Program

The Calm Community Program was born from the work we do at the Pain Free Project. The program allows you to support the survivors of human trafficking in our city when you visit Calm San Diego. By joining, you’ll receive discounted treatments, supplements, and services, while providing treatment for a survivor to help them restore through holistic health.

Included in the membership: