Gratitude is more powerful than you realize

The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless.Several studies on the subject have concluded that - People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for, experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness and even have stronger immune systems. And gratitude doesn't need to be reserved only for momentous occasions: Sure, you might express gratitude after receiving a huge recognition, but you can also be thankful for something as simple as a delicious piece of dessert.

Almost all the studies insist on "Being Social About Gratitude Practice".

Our relationships with others are the greatest determinant of our happiness. So it makes sense to think of other people too as we build our gratitude. Focusing our gratitude on people for whom we’re thankful rather than circumstances or material items will enhance the benefits. And while you’re at it, why not include others directly into your expression of gratitude? You could write a gratitude letter to someone who had an impact on you whom you’ve never properly thanked. You could also share the day’s grateful moments around the dinner table. The conversations that follow may give you even more reasons to give thanks.

If you want to develop your gratitude practice, try these exercises:

• Reflect on the positive. Keeping a gratitude journal or journaling about three good things that happen every day can highlight the positives in your life and help you stop taking things for granted.
• Write a gratitude letter. Writing—and then delivering—a heartfelt letter of gratitude to someone you’ve never properly thanked can not only boost your sense of gratefulness but also strengthen your bond with them.
• Deprive yourself. In a similar vein, abstaining from a pleasure for some time can make it all the much sweeter later. To take advantage of this effect, try the 'Give it up' practice.
• Take a Savouring Walk. On a 20-minute walk, observe the sights, sounds, and smells you encounter—freshly cut grass, an epic skyscraper, a stranger’s smile. Each time you notice something positive, take the time to absorb it and think about why you enjoy it. On your subsequent Savoring Walks, strike out in different directions to seek new things to admire.

Studies observed that a one-time act of thoughtful gratitude produced an immediate 10% increase in happiness and 35% reduction in depressive symptoms. The happy effects disappeared within three to six months which shows that gratitude is an act to be repeated again and again.

Start Today: Every act of gratitude counts! It can be as small as saying thank you or telling someone important how much they mean to you.