Choosing to be thankful may well be an easy and accessible way to boost your happiness. We usually think of happiness as a subjective sense of well-being, a feeling of joy and satisfaction. But more than just an emotion or fleeting (短暂的) feeling, happiness also includes a deep sense of meaning, worth and purpose in life. Gratitude supports happiness in ways related to all of these.
Research has shown gratitude has far-reaching effects on our physical health. When people are thankful, they're more likely to exercise, eat better, and take care of their health. Much evidence points to lower stress, reduced pain and improved immune systems as a result of being thankful. Even better blood pressure and positive effects on the heart have been linked to gratitude.
Gratitude has a strong positive impact on mental health as well. It increases self-esteem, enhances positive emotions and makes us more optimistic since experiencing gratitude activates neurotransmitters like dopamine, which we associate with pleasure, and serotonin, which regulates our mood. It also promotes feelings like trust and generosity, which are induced by oxytocin, a hormone released by the brain.
Just like a muscle, thankfulness is something we need to exercise more often. One way is to learn from the Scandinavians, who, the UN's World Happiness Report suggests, are the happiest people in the world. It's worth pausing to think about why. Scandinavians themselves are determining their levels of happiness. They are appreciative of a functioning society where they have economic security and where social institutions support everyone. Yet, there is something else. They value "moderation", a just enough-ness. They don't chase happiness or work overtime for months at a time. They remain grateful for a healthy work-life balance. As a result of this satisfaction and contentment, they feel their lives have value.
So, take some time to be thankful. It can impact your happiness and enhance many aspects of your life.