Week 7- Science of Happiness Synthesis

 The practice of gratitude is a simple action or mental state that has immense positive impacts on both the brain and the body. Gratitude amplifies the good in one’s life, allowing them to savor pleasurable moments and give thanks to the sources of good in their life. Gratitude in action allows for an individual to appreciate small parts of their daily life and examine how they are beneficial. Various studies show psychological benefits of gratitude including increased optimism, alertness, and joy in daily life. In addition, studies show gratitude practices have an impact on the physical being, as those who engaged in gratitude reported better sleep, lower blood sugar levels, and fewer chronic aches and pains. Studies show that gratitude has an impact on individuals socially as well, as grateful people tend to be more helpful, generous, forgiving, and less isolated. Implementing small gratitude practices into daily or weekly life, beginning to acknowledge small parts pleasures and engage in appreciation, and vocalizing gratitude to those around an individual have all shown to produce positive benefits to the mental and physical state of human beings.  

Gratitude is one of the most accessible methods of cultivating happiness. Individuals who engage in gratitude practices universally show greater levels of subjective well-being over time. Gratitude is a way for individuals to take inventory of the good in their life, making room for new pleasures and making peace with the hard parts of life. Gratitude actively works against negative mentalities such as narcissism and entitlement, rooting out various levels of anxieties and depression attached to negative emotions. Gratitude is a tool anyone can use to bring their life into perspective, appreciating the small pleasures of life and making room for the pleasures of the future.