In pursuit of longevity, many of us resort to various diets, medications and practices. However, scientists have discovered that each of us has one of the most effective methods and drugs have nothing to do with it.
Gratitude has been proven to improve both physical health and emotional well-being. A recent study expanded on these findings, suggesting that people who experience higher levels of gratitude also have a lower risk of death.
KSL writes about how showing care and kindness quietly protects us from the worst.
Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study, which involved nearly 50,000 women ages 69 to 96 who completed a gratitude questionnaire in 2016.
Participants rated their agreement with statements such as “I have a lot to be grateful for in life” and “I am grateful to a variety of people.” Data shows that women with the highest levels of gratitude had a 9% lower risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, in 2019, according to their research published in JAMA Psychiatry .
“Gratitude is a powerful tool: powerful for happiness, powerful for eliminating even minor depressive symptoms, powerful for improving health, powerful for protecting against premature death – and it’s something everyone can do,” says Dr. Tyler Vander-Weele, senior author of the study and professor at the Harvard TH School of Public Health.
During the three-year follow-up, 4,608 participants died. The study found that among participants with the lowest levels of gratitude, 2,153 people died, among participants with moderate levels of gratitude, 1,273 people died, and among participants with the highest levels of gratitude, 1,182 people died.
Further analysis showed that people who feel grateful tend to be younger, have partners, participate in social or religious groups, and have better overall health.
Dr. VanderWeel emphasized that while these factors are important, gratitude itself makes a significant contribution to reducing mortality risk. Incorporating gratitude into your daily life can have numerous health benefits, such as strengthening the immune system, lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.
Those who practice gratitude tend to sleep better, have higher self-esteem, and less anxiety, stress, and depression.
Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas of the Greater Good Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley, suggests three strategies for developing gratitude: keep a gratitude journal, write letters to those who have had a positive impact on your life, and be specific about expressing your gratitude. .
She emphasizes that practicing gratitude can start with small everyday gestures, such as simply being grateful for the warmth of the sun.
