{"id":251303,"date":"2021-04-13T13:21:51","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T12:21:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/info\/?p=251303"},"modified":"2026-07-15T13:38:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T12:38:31","slug":"gratitude-and-happiness-importance-being-grateful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/info\/blog\/gratitude-and-happiness-importance-being-grateful","title":{"rendered":"Gratitude and happiness: the importance of being grateful"},"content":{"rendered":"

During difficult times, it\u2019s easy to feel a little overwhelmed or drained by life. Negative feelings and thoughts can creep in, which can make it difficult to see the positives. However, one simple practice, gratitude, can help to alleviate these feelings. We take a look at the importance of being grateful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite being a simple concept, gratitude can make us happier, healthier, and more settled in ourselves. We explore what gratitude means and the benefits it can bring, along with some practical tips for being grateful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is gratitude?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start with a gratitude definition. You\u2019re probably familiar with expressing gratefulness by saying \u2018thank you\u2019 when someone does something nice for you. Yet it\u2019s a more nuanced concept than simply expressing thanks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gratitude is defined as <\/span>a positive emotional reaction that serves a biological purpose<\/b>. It\u2019s the appreciation of the valuable and meaningful things in our lives. As one of the world\u2019s leading experts in gratitude, Robert Emmons, explains in his <\/span>essay on gratitude<\/span><\/a>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts and benefits we\u2019ve received.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

However, he also points out that there is another element to being grateful:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognise that the sources of this goodness are outside of ourselves. \u2026 We acknowledge that other people\u2014or even higher powers, if you\u2019re of a spiritual mindset\u2014gave us many gifts, big and small, to help us achieve the goodness in our lives.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As we\u2019ll see, there are many different gratitude practices out there that can help you hone these skills. What\u2019s more, the benefits of doing so can be quite remarkable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is gratitude important?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While we\u2019ll get into the specific benefits of being grateful further down, it\u2019s worth mentioning the overall <\/span>importance of gratitude<\/span><\/a>. Although it can appear to some as a little bit of a woolly term, there is actually a body of scientific evidence that demonstrates its effectiveness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Countless studies have shown that gratitude can bring a variety of physical, psychological, emotional and social benefits. It helps us appreciate all the positive elements of our lives and the people in it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While it might not be a panacea or cure-all for everything, gratitude can help to keep us grounded and feeling positive, particularly in times of uncertainty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of us are familiar with feelings of dissatisfaction – we feel that our lives are incomplete and lacking in the things we crave. At such times, it\u2019s easy to compare yourself to the idyllic-seeming lives of others and judge yourself to be lacking. The simple practice of gratitude can help to alleviate these feelings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is gratitude right for everyone?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Before we get into some of the research and facts behind gratitude, it\u2019s important to take a moment to discuss whether practising gratitude is right for everyone. Although there is a lot of evidence that highlights the benefits of this practice, it isn\u2019t the answer for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies suggest that we each have a level of \u2018<\/span>trait gratitude<\/span><\/a>\u2019, which determines how grateful we can feel. Factors such as genetics, culture, and personality impact this level. It\u2019s not known exactly whether a person can \u2018train\u2019 themselves to experience more gratitude.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, the endless pursuit of happiness can be draining, and life can throw up painful moments without warning. Although there are many benefits of practising gratitude, it may not be suitable for everyone. Do not be discouraged if you don\u2019t feel the effects, and be sure to discuss any mental health issues with your doctor or other medical professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n

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