There are two definitions of gratitude, and I think both of them reveal a lot of important things about the word itself. The first is valuing, the act of recognizing the best in people or the world around us. The second is to increase in value (as in, the economy as appreciated).
Well, it’s interesting to note that when you appreciate somebody or something, you are also appreciating or increasing its value. In this blog post, I’ll share the reasons why, as well as impart a few helpful practices that you can try that may help in increasing gratitude and boosting both psychological and physical wellbeing.
In 2005, a researcher named Seligman conducted a research experiment, in which participants were given a week to write and then deliver a letter of gratitude in person to somebody who had been especially kind to them but had never been properly thanked. What was so surprising was that that small act of gratitude, of recognizing and appreciating a significant relationship and demonstrating that to the other person, significantly improved happiness over a long period of time.
In fact, in the experiment, Seligman continued to consult participants on their happiness rating at several points – pre-test, post-test, 1 week after, 1 month after, 3 months after, and 6 months after. He also consulted participants on depressive symptoms – the physical and psychological markers of depression – at the same time points.
What was exceptional was that happiness levels significantly increased and depressive symptoms had significantly decreased, and it was only by the 6-month marker time point that the participants were finally back to their baseline pre-test happiness evaluation.
Happiness is all about recognizing what you have and comparing it to what you want. When you express gratitude for somebody in your life or somebody in your past, you strengthen an experience, reflect back on a meaningful relationship, and develop your own humanity. These are not trivial things, and they can improve your self-esteem and result in a whole host of physical benefits. In something that seems prosocial, something that you’re doing for other people, you’re also improving your own life by recognizing the inherent beauty behind some relationship or some person.
That, my friends, is something deeply worth investigating for yourself. Express your gratitude for somebody in your life, either through writing a letter, saying some words of affirmation, or getting a small gift. Maybe you can find the email address of an old elementary or middle school or college teacher and tell them that you were thinking of them and express the ways that they impacted your life. Maybe you can ask some of your friends who live far away for their mailing address, and then send a hand-written letter saying that you miss them and your favorite experiences together.
Whatever it is, I wish you the best of luck! Thanks for reading all the way, and I hope you begin your journey to gratitude amazingly!
Naman
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