In an unusual program, the University of California Berkeley is expanding the research it conducts on the health benefits of altruism, compassion and empathy. Organized in 2001, the Greater Good Science Center has conducted several research projects demonstrating numerous health benefits to developing an attitude of conscious gratefulness.
Expressed Gratitude Improves Health
In a groundbreaking research project conducted through the University of Miami and UC Davis, researchers discovered that study subjects who wrote a minimum of twice a week about at least five things in their lives they felt gratitude about, reported significant health improvements. In addition to feeling more optimistic about their lives, they also reported having fewer problems with their physical health and exercising more on a regular basis. Other similar studies have discovered that expressing gratitude improves immune system function and blood pressure.
Gratitude Improves Mental Health
In a study presented at the American Psychological Association earlier this year, Giacomo Bono, PhD, of California State University conducted a four-year study of teenagers who regularly expressed gratitude. He found that teenagers benefitted substantially from participating in a program highlighting aspects of their lives they could express gratitude about. Approximately 15 percent of teens participating in the study found increased meaning in their lives; study participants reported being 15 percent happier with their overall lives; study participants also reported becoming 17 percent happier and hopeful about their lives; participants experienced a reported 15 percent decrease in symptoms of depression and 13 percent lower negative emotions.
Take a few minutes every day and think about the blessings in your life and things you can express gratitude for to the people around you. There are many ways to demonstrate your gratitude in life. Developing a compassionate and empathetic perception of those around you can open you up to letting positive feelings into your experience. Recent studies regarding compassionate meditation indicate that this form of meditation improves immune system function, lowers blood pressure and has long-lasting effects on both the mind and the body.
Do you practice gratitude in your life daily? Are there ways you can become more altruistic and empathetic with people in your life? Tell us what you think!
– The Alternative Daily
