The importance of saying “thank you” is one of the first lessons we learn as children. From an early age, we're encouraged to express gratitude to strangers and friends who show us kindness. Why? Because gratitude is key to building social bonds and fostering good relationships.
Gratitude is our ability to recognize and appreciate the positive contributions of others, and it motivates us to return the kindness shown to us. When we spend quality time with people we care about, feeling grateful, protected, and loved is natural. By expressing gratitude for these positive experiences and the people in our lives, we solidify these good feelings—not just for ourselves, but for others too.
Research consistently supports the idea that gratitude boosts our peace of mind, enhances happiness, and leads to better physical health and more fulfilling relationships. Yet, in our busy day-to-day lives, it’s easy to forget the habit of giving thanks. In this article, we’ll explore 25 science-backed benefits of gratitude to inspire you to pay more attention to its importance.
1. Gratitude Can Make Your Relationships More Secure
All relationships are influenced by our attachment styles, which are formed in early childhood. The good news is that these styles aren’t set in stone. Life experiences, including positive interactions, can help us reshape how we perceive and act toward others. Gratitude plays a vital role in this process.
Attachment and gratitude have a reciprocal relationship: being grateful makes you more secure, and secure attachments make you more grateful. People with secure attachments tend to approach others with openness and positivity, while insecure attachments often make it difficult to fully trust others’ good intentions, which can lead to less gratitude.
If you don't know your attachment style yet, take our free quiz and find out!
2. Give Thanks and Strengthen Your Relationships
Relationships can sometimes feel stagnant or disconnected, especially when communication isn’t effective or appreciation isn’t shown. Expressing sincere gratitude to your partner can help break these patterns. Research shows that gratitude increases satisfaction in relationships and fosters deeper connection and commitment.
When your partner feels valued, they’re more likely to feel secure, which can lead to greater overall relationship satisfaction.
3. Being Grateful Improves Mental Health
Many of us struggle with our mental health, especially in the face of uncertainties. Small acts of gratitude can help combat depression, anxiety, phobias, and even addiction. Just taking a moment to notice something good in your life can make a significant difference, shifting your outlook toward greater optimism.
Gratitude has been shown to help alleviate depressive symptoms and improve resilience during challenging times. In fact, new college students who practice gratitude tend to experience less stress and depression during their transition to university life.
4. Give Thanks Regularly and Feel Your Body Thrive
Gratitude doesn’t just affect the mind—it has powerful effects on the body too. It acts on the stress hormone cortisol, reducing its levels in the body, which leads to improved immune function and overall health. Gratitude has been linked to reduced physical pain, lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and increased energy.
5. Expressing Gratitude Can Boost Your Friendships
While romantic relationships often get the spotlight, friendships are equally important. Expressing gratitude to your friends helps nurture these bonds. By appreciating their support, you’re signaling that you value their presence in your life.
Research suggests that friends who regularly express gratitude have healthier friendships, as it fosters honesty, openness, and conflict resolution.
25 Reasons to Give Thanks
Facilitates attachment security
Increases positive feelings about what we have in life
Makes us feel protected and loved
Lowers anxiety and doubt within relationships
Contributes to open communication in a relationship
Makes the partner feel valued and appreciated
Helps the partner feel more confident and secure in the relationship
Increases satisfaction in relationships
Improves mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety
Facilitates positive expectations and outlook on life
Makes us happier and more optimistic
Prevents worsening of depressive symptoms
Improves resilience in the face of challenges
Essential for recovery from mental health issues
Lowers stress hormone levels
Improves immune system function
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces physical pain and aches
Increases energy
Improves sleep quality
Supports heart health
Enhances social communication
Facilitates honesty in relationships
Improves our views of others
Makes it easier to resolve conflicts
Take-Home Message
Gratitude impacts so many important aspects of our lives—from our relationships to our mental and physical health. Remember to be grateful for what you have, and give thanks to the people in your life.
Here are a few ideas for how you can practice gratitude:
Start a gratitude journal and note down one or two things you are grateful for each day.
Thank your partner for small gestures, like making you a cup of tea.
Write thank-you notes to friends or loved ones.
Reflect on good things in your life and express your appreciation.
Volunteer in your community as a way of showing thanks.
By giving thanks, you brighten not only someone else’s day but also your own. Gratitude can help you become more secure in your relationships and improve your overall well-being.
References
[1] Mikulincer, M., Shaver, P. R., & Slav, K. (2006). Attachment, Mental Representations of Others, and Gratitude and Forgiveness in Romantic Relationships.
[2] Vollmann, M., Sprang, S., & van den Brink, F. (2019). Adult attachment and relationship satisfaction.
[3] Park, Y., Johnson, M. D., MacDonald, G., & Impett, E. A. (2019). Perceiving gratitude from a romantic partner predicts decreases in attachment anxiety.
Taken from an article posted on attachmentproject.org
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