The Power of Gratitude: How Thankfulness Transforms Your Health and Well-Being

During times of hardship, we turn to God in prayer, sharing our worries and asking Him to help us, save us, and give us the strength to cope. At times, spiritual accusers (mekatregim) may block our prayers from ascending to Heaven. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai promises that if our prayer is one of gratitude, no accuser in the world can stop it from reaching God and drawing down goodness upon us.

Gratitude Positively Affects Health

Gratitude not only brings salvation and divine assistance, but it also helps us emotionally and physically cope with challenges. When we practice gratitude, we naturally focus more on the good, which strengthens our emotional resilience. This has a direct effect on our physical health to the extent that we actually feel better when we express thanks.

Many illnesses stem from a person’s focus on what is missing in their life. Dr. Mark Hyman, in his book The UltraMind Solution, quotes global research journals that have found most diseases are linked to a person’s mindset — specifically, what they choose to focus on.

He details the various health benefits of gratitude:

• Boosts immune system function

• Stimulates other biological systems

• Increases production of white blood cells, which help fight illness

• Enhances brain performance

• Improves heart function

• Increases blood flow

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that patients with asymptomatic heart failure showed decreased inflammation markers in their bodies, and improved heart health, after keeping a gratitude journal for eight weeks. They wrote down who they were thankful to and under what circumstances, alongside their regular medical treatment.

The study also found that gratitude improves mental health, mood, and leads to better quality sleep.

Another study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, found that positive emotions and appreciation for those around us improve heart rhythm and overall cardiovascular health.

The field of psychoneuroimmunology, studies the connection between thoughts, brain focus, and the immune system. It shows that recalling happy, meaningful memories and focusing on what is good in one’s life has a direct and positive impact on immune function.

A person who says “thank you” and focuses on the good in their life improves their body, mind, and soul.