Being a mom can be hard work, and it’s easy to let the day-to-day tasks of caring for your family become an endless cycle of to-do lists that never get crossed off. But when you take time each day to think about all the things you have to be grateful for, it not only makes you feel better in the moment, it can also have long-term benefits for your mental and emotional health. We’ll share 5 benefits of practicing gratitude that every busy mom should know. We’ll also look at some recent research that shows the positive impact gratitude can have on both mental and physical health.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Review, people who regularly practice gratitude report feeling less anxious and more optimistic about the future. The study’s authors say that gratitude may help people cope with stress and think more creatively.[*]
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The Science of Gratitude Video
Here’s a quick video from Tremendousness about some more of the amazing gratitude benefits.
5 Scientific Benefits of Gratitude
1. Gratitude can help you cope with stress and anxiety.
As a busy mom, you are likely to experience some stress and anxiety in your life. However, gratitude can help you cope with these negative emotions. When you are grateful for the good things in your life, it can help you to see the positive aspects of your life and cope with stress and anxiety in a more positive way.[*]
This is good to know since moms are always on the go, handling different tasks and problems. Taking just a few minutes out of your day to count your blessings can help you feel better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way.
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2. Gratitude can improve your physical health.
In addition to its mental health benefits, gratitude can also improve your physical health. One study found that gratitude may help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to a number of different health problems.[*]
These physical benefits of gratitude are important for moms because chronic inflammation is linked to a number of conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Staying as healthy as possible is important for busy moms so that they can take care of their families.
3. Gratitude can enhance your relationships.
When you are grateful for the people in your life, it can improve your relationships with them. One study found that gratitude is associated with increased relationship satisfaction and closeness.[*]
This is significant for moms because they often have to juggle a lot of different relationships, such as their relationship with their spouse, their children, and their extended family. By taking time to appreciate the people in your life, you can strengthen your relationships with them and make them even more meaningful.
4. Gratitude can increase your resilience.
In addition to improving your mental and physical health, gratitude can also increase your resilience. This means that you will be better able to cope with stress and setbacks in your life. A study of cancer patients found that those who were more grateful for the good things in their life were also more resilient and able to cope with the stress of having cancer.[*]
This is important for moms because they often face difficult challenges, such as raising children while working or coping with a major illness. When you have gratitude, it can help you to find the strength to keep going even when things are tough.
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5. Gratitude can boost your mood.
Finally, gratitude can also boost your mood and make you feel happier overall. One study found that people who practice gratitude report feeling more positive emotions, such as joy, enthusiasm, and love.[*]
Moms often face difficult challenges and stressors, so it is important to have a tool that can help you to feel more joy in your life. Gratitude can be that tool, and by making it a part of your daily routine, you can enjoy its many benefits.
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Final Thoughts About the Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
I hope this article has shown you the importance of gratitude and why every busy mom should make it a part of her life. By taking just a few minutes each day to be grateful for the good things in your life, you can improve your mental and physical health, relationships, resilience, and mood. So what are you waiting for? Start practicing gratitude today!
How To Practice Gratitude
One of the easiest ways to enjoy the positive effects of gratitude is by writing in a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few minutes to write down 1 or 2 things that you are grateful for. It can be anything from your health to your family to your job. The important thing is to focus on the good things in your life and not dwell on the negative.
Gratitude Journal Writing Prompts
Here are 10 gratitude journal writing prompts to help you get started:
- I am grateful for ________________________ because __________________________.
- What are some small things that bring you happiness? Write about 3 of them and why they make you happy.
- Think about a time when you received unexpected help or support. What did that person do for you and why were you grateful?
- Consider the characteristics of people you respect. List 5 qualities that you are grateful for in others and how you can cultivate those qualities in yourself.
- What are some things your family does that you are grateful for?
- Write about a day when you were challenged and how you coped with the challenge.
- What are some things your friends do that you are grateful for?
- What are some things your partner does that you are grateful for?
- Think about your possessions. What are some material things that you are grateful for and why?
- What are some things you are grateful for that money cannot buy?
FREE Gratitude Journal Printable
If you’re looking to start practicing gratitude, be sure to download my free gratitude journal printable! It’s a great way to start incorporating gratitude into your daily routine. Click the link below to download it now!
Do you practice gratitude? What have you noticed?
