Alongside well-known factors such as sufficient exercise, healthy eating and good sleep, a new discovery is receiving increasing attention: gratitude. This is not just about expressing polite phrases, but a conscious way of thinking in which you notice and appreciate the positive things in life. This can concern both major events and small pleasant moments.
Scientists have discovered that people who regularly practise gratitude have a lower risk of dying, partly due to a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease. Gratitude also helps to protect the body against chronic inflammation, which often contributes to age-related illnesses such as cancer and Alzheimer's. In addition, gratitude appears to have a positive effect on sleep quality, which is of great importance for recovery and vitality.
Gratitude also strengthens social bonds. Those who are grateful appreciate others better, which ensures closer and more pleasant relationships. This in turn has a positive effect on your mood and overall health. The scientific explanation for this lies, among other things, in the reduction of stress. Gratitude lowers the stress hormone cortisol and activates the nervous system responsible for relaxation and recovery.
Gratitude is therefore a simple and accessible way to support your health. It costs nothing, you can do it at any time, and it has no harmful side effects. For anyone who wants to age healthily, practising gratitude is therefore a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Source: Buck Institute
