It’s Amazing How Grateful Living Makes You Healthier

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“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ~William Arthur Ward

Did you know that grateful living can make you healthier?

I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. Medical professionals have known the connection between our minds and bodies for years.

An article from the Mayo Clinic says…

“Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood, and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain, and risk of disease.”

Researchers have found the following benefits of grateful living…

• enhances coping skills for handling problems, criticism, and conflict.
• increases the body’s ability to relax.
• accentuates optimism and the ability to recall happy memories.
• encourages an attitude of hope.
• decreases feelings of materialism and envy.
• improves the quality of sleep.
• elevates energy levels.
• improves relationships.
• increases kindness and compassion.
• inspires God-honoring stewardship.

And most importantly grateful living helps us recognize…

• our need for a relationship with God.
• the importance of loving and helping others.

I wonder if those benefits are why our loving God inspired Paul to write…

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Here’s a short list of
5 Ways to Add Grateful Living to Your Life

1. Keep a gratitude journal – write 3-5 things for which you are thankful each day … nothing is too big or too small.

2. Hang out with grateful people – sharing gratitude makes you accountable and keeps you motivated. The best part is that grateful people are happier, healthier, and more fun to be around.

3. Be intentional about positive self-talk – reject any thought that would bother you if someone else said it to you. Be kind to yourself!

4. Spend time with God – start and end each day with prayer, and read your Bible. It’s easier to live gratefully when you surrender your burdens to God.

5. Encourage someone with gratitude – tell someone you’re thankful for them … not just for what they do but for who they are.

Remember, grateful living can change your attitude, make you healthier, and improve your relationships!

Paul said it like this…

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–9

Let’s pray…

A Prayer for Healthy Grateful Living

Father God, Please work with and within me to give me an attitude that sees Your many blessings. Help me live with a thankful heart.

You are so very gracious and good. You created a beautiful world for us. You made people with unique and wonderful personalities and characteristics. When we gave in to temptation and fell into sin, You sent Jesus to save us by suffering and dying for us. You then gave us the promise of heaven through His resurrection. And You give me everything I need to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST You.

I have so many reasons to live gratefully. As a bonus blessing, You made having a positive attitude of thanksgiving lead to a happier and healthier life.

So, I ask You to help me live each day mindful of every blessing in my life. Help me reject the enemy’s lies as I spend more time with You. And by Your grace, please bring other grateful people into my life and help me encourage them with words of gratitude and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Here are a few quotes that blessed my heart…

“That the Father and Son would love sinners that much is beyond our comprehension–but it ought to awaken a response of love and gratitude within our hearts that will change our lives forever!” ~ Dave Hunt

“This way of seeing our Father in everything makes life one long thanksgiving and gives a rest of heart, and, more than that, a gayety of spirit, that is unspeakable.” ~ Hannah Whitall Smith

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G. K. Chesterton

Take a few minutes to count your blessings with gratitude.

I did and I caught myself smiling. You too?

Now, don’t you feel better?

How great is our God? He created us knowing that grateful living will make us happier and healthier! That’s reason enough to thank and praise Him.

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