Many studies have suggested that expressing gratitude has many beneficial health effects. People who regularly express gratitude have strengthened immune systems, lower blood pressure, and tend to exercise more regularly. They have higher levels of positive emotions and feel more alert, alive, and awake. They are more optimistic and experience more joy, pleasure, and happiness. People who maintain a sense of gratitude are more helpful, generous, and compassionate; more outgoing and forgiving, and feel less lonely and isolated.
Grateful people are more resistant to stress, sleep better, and find an improved sense of self-esteem. While there is science to back up these claims, it is not difficult to understand why maintaining a state of gratitude is healthy. Doing so allows us to be present, to accept that there are good things all around us in spite of whatever challenges we are experiencing.