The number one thing that mentally strong people don’t do is waste time feeling sorry for themselves. And while it can be hard to avoid self-pity at times, choosing to exchange self-pity for gratitude could be one of the most instrumental things you can do to improve your life.
Whether you choose to write a few sentences in a gratitude journal, or you simply take a moment to silently acknowledge all that you’ve been given, giving thanks could transform your life. Here are seven scientifically proven benefits of gratitude:
1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Not only does saying “thank you” constitute good manners, but showing appreciation can help you win new friends, according to a 2014 study published in Emotion. The study found that thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. So whether you thank a stranger for holding the door or you send a quick thank-you note to that co-worker who helped you with a project, acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities.